
DR. ALEX. J. McIVOR-TYNDALL, 



REVELATIONS OF THE 
HAND. 



A Scientific Study of the Shape and Markings of the Hand, as an 

Index to Character, Disease and Tendencies, 

with Explanatory Illustrations. 



DK. ALEX. J. McIVOR -TYNDALL. 

AUTHOR OF "THOUGHT READING AND TELEPATHY," "PSYCHOLOGY AND MEDICAL 

SCIENCE," "THOUGHT TRANSFERENCE: THE LANGUAGE OF 

THE FUTURE," ETC. 



AMERICAN EDITION. 



G. A. WAHLGREEN, Publisher, 
New York, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco. 

1900. 






TWO COPIES RECEIVED, 

Library of CGtsgrot* 
Office of ttie 

FEB 1 3 1&00 

Kegtoter of Copyright* 





181900 






Copyrighted 

1900 

By De. Alex. J. McIvor-Tyndall. 



FIRST COPY, 



\9i & o* 



//27 



CONXENXS. 

Preface 9 

Introduction 13 / , 

PART I.--CHEIRQQNOMY. 

CHAPTER I. 
The Seven Types of Hands 23 

CHAPTER II. 
The Primitive or Elementary Hand 26 

CHAPTER III. 
The Square Type of Hand 28 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Spatulate Type of Hand •••••• 32 

CHAPTER V. 
The Conic Type of Hand / 36 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Philosophic Type of Hand 40 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Psychic Type of Hand 43 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Mixed Type of Hand 47 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Fingers 51 

CHAPTER X. 
The Thumb 57 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Nails 62 

CHAPTER XII. 
Large and Small, Hard and Soft Hands 66 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The Color of the Palms 69 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Mounts 70 

/ CHAPTER XV. 
Right and Left Hands 75 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Resume of Cheirognomy 76 



PART II. -CHEIROMANCY. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Lines of the Hand 79 

CHAPTER II. 
The Line of Life 85 

CHAPTER III. 
The Line of Mentality, or Head 90 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Line of Heart 97 

CHAPTER V. 
The Line of Fate , 102 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Line of Apollo, or Sun 109 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Line of Health, or Liver 113 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Girdle of Venus 115 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Via Lascivia, the Line of Mars and the Line of In- 
tuition 117 

CHAPTER X. 
The Line of Marriage ; Children 119 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Rascette and Minor Lines 124 

CHAPTER XII. 
Lines of Influence and Travel Lines 126 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Character of the Lines 133 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Signs Found on the Palm 137 

CHAPTER XV. 
The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle 150 

CHAPTER XVI. 
How to Reckon Time. Systems of Seven and Ten 154 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Abnormal Tendencies 160 



SOME TYPICAL HANDS, 
With Synopsis of Their Most Prominent Characteristics. 

Hand of Sir Charles Hibbert Tupper, K. C. M. G 173 

Hand of Alexander McIvor-Tyndall, M. R. C. S 175 

Hand of Hamilton Fish, M. D 177 

Hand of William C. Riddell, M. D 179 

Hand of Homer Davenport 181 

Hand of A. W. Steele 183 

Hand of Blanche Walsh 185 

Hand of Marie Burroughs 187 

Hand of Sol Smith Russell 189 

Hand of James Barton Adams 191 

Hand of U. S. Senator Thomas H. Carter 193 

Hand of Ys aye 195 

Hand of Edwin F. Mayo 197 

Hand of Roland Reed 199 

Hand of Judge C. C. Goodwin 200 



P^EFACK. 

In advocating the study of the hand, I desire to recom- 
mend it particularly to physicians, teachers and parents, as an 
invaluable aid in diagnosing hereditary disease, temperament, 
talents, capabilities and faults of children. 

I do not feel that I can conscientiously recommend the 
study as a profession — in America at least. 

The practice of hand reading as a profession is one which 
should be ranked among the most honorable of callings, and its 
teachers and exponents should be men and women of the high- 
est intellectual and moral attainments. This, however, unfor- 
tunately is not the existing condition. America is flooded with 
"palmists" who do not know one line of the hand from another; 
who can scarcely write their own names and who claim to tell 
one's "name, sge and birth place" from a glance at one's 
hand. 

Why does this state of things exist? 

Because the American public have actually no discrimina- 
tion. Not that they lack the requisite mentality — they sim- 
ply haven't the necessary time. 

The man of birth and education who essays the scientific 
practice of palmistry will find his path beset with thorns — un- 
less he be a stoic or a philosopher. Palmistry being regarded 
at the present time as something of a "fad," he will probably 
find himself approached by a class of persons whose wealth 
they seem to think ample atonement for their lack of culture. 
These people will doubtless assure him that "they do not 

9 



10 Preface. 

believe in it, of course, but will he come to their 'At home' on 
the following Tuesday and 'tell the fortunes' of their guests?" 
The remuneration offered for this delightful task will probably 
be the munificent sum of ten or fifteen dollars for the after- 



noon. 



.55 



Should he protest that he is not a "fortune-teller 
and that a reliable and efficient cheiromant could hardly be 
expected to read hands at an afternoon tea, he would probably 
be informed that "old Aunt Dinah, who tells lovely fortunes? 
will gladly officiate at the function for some cast off clothing or 
cold victuals." 

Newspapers have a way of giving encouragement to ignor- 
ant charlatans in this line, and then attacking the science be- 
cause the said charlatans use it as a cloak to hide their real pro- 
ceedings. 

It would be quite as sensible to denounce surgery because 
some one had mistaken a butcher for a surgeon. 

I was much amused not long since in listening to a paper, 
read before a woman's club, on the degrading character of 
stage productions. The paper was very clever, and the 
waiter's disgust at the low order of wit and humor displayed 
in nine-tenths of the farce comedies was shared by every one 
present. 

The paper was directed chiefly against a certain farce 
of the "McGinty the Sport" order, and its sarcasm was well 
directed. 

The absurdity of the discussion lay in the fact that the 
said farce had recently filled the theatre to overflowing, while 
the clever actor, Clay Clement, in that most beautiful of pure 
comedies, "The New Dominion," had played to vacant chairs on 
the night previous. 

When put to the test, every woman present had patronized 
the "McGinty" affair, and not one of them had witnessed "The 



Preface. 11 

Kew Dominion." The truth is, the public get that which they 
encourage in whatever line. 

Whenever they demand scientific knowledge and conscien- 
tious methods in their exponents of the science of palmistry 
they will find the demand complied with. 

It is significant that Cheiro, the famous American ex- 
ponent of this science, finds it necessary to assume a title, 
"Comte de Hamong," in order to receive the recognition which 
his ability alone should bring him. 



r> 





INTRODUCTION. 

This is pre eminently an age of study, investigation and re- 
search. Everything which appears worthy of serious considera- 
tion now claims its share of attention, with the result that much 
which has hitherto been shrouded in ignorance and superstition 
is at present viewed in the light of reason and of science. 

All advanced thinkers of the present day are unanimous in 
the belief that the close of this century marks the beginning of 
a new cycle — ushering in a new phase of thought. The Nine- 
teenth Century has been one of action. The Twentieth will be 
one of thought. 

Wonderful indeed has been the advance in the mechanical, 
electrical and material sciences, but it is somewhat surprising 
that the same can not be said of those branches of intellectuality 
— lesser perhaps in direct utility, but greater in their power to 
elevate mankind — art, music, literature and philosophy. A 
change is coming, however. Eminent men of the world — those 
who live in advance of the age — are devoting their attention to 
what may be termed the occult, and from the study of psychic 
phenomena must come a realization of the spiritual law which 
governs material forces — a law of which the phenomena are but 
a comparatively unimportant effect. 

Nowhere is a knowledge of true psychology more needed 
than in the study and practice of medicine. It is a significant 
fact that after all the years that have elapsed since the days of 
Hippocrates, medical science is still largely in its experimental 
stage, with a decreasing possibility of reducing to an exact sci- 
ence under its presents methods. 

13 



14 Introduction. 

It is entirely without any desire to disparage the profession 
for which I was educated, which my father has followed with 
honor these many years, and which numbers among its members 
some of the noblest men I have known, that I venture to pre- 
dict an early annihilation of the old theories of medical practice. 
Even now the physician who bases his diagnosis upon the 
psychological symptoms of his patient is the physician who is 
the most successful in treating disease. When it shall have be- 
come an acknowledged fact instead of a disputed theory that 
thought is a cqntrolling force in the world there will come a 
change in the ethics of medical practice — a change which will 
be of inestimable benefit to the profession and the world alike. 

What has given rise to the various methods of alleviating 
pain and disease, known respectively as "The Faith Cure," 
"Mental Science," "Christian Science," "Magnetic Cure" and 
"Suggestive Therapeutics" — not to mention the "water cure," the 
"music cure" and a host of other "cures?" 

If medical science had been found efficacious and reliable 
there would be no attempt at other methods. 

At the present time a branch of the profession known as 
Osteopathy is rapidly usurping the place of Medicine in this 
country. This is not, indeed, as is often asserted, because the 
public are always anxious to take up with something "new"— 
but solely because the old has been found inadequate and unsat- 
isfying. Indeed, we are quite too prone to cling to our old ideas 
and beliefs. We are slaves to custom, to old traditions, to the 
habit of paying some one else to do our thinking for us. Never 
surely, can we be justly accused of being anxious to take up 
with something "new" — it anything really is new. Certainly, to 
the analytical student of life, it would seem that we have changed 
very little, fundamentally, since the beginning of history, but 
that we live out our earth lives in the same old way, with the 
same emotions of joy and sorrow, hope, fear, faith, love, hate, 
symDathy and stupidity as in the days of pagan Rome. But 



Introduction. 15 

with every forward swing of the pendulum of Time we succeed 
in coming a little closer to the ideal of perfection which we 
call God. 

We move in cycles. An age of intellectual development 
follows that of materialism; an era of faith follows one of unbe- 
lief in natural sequence. And so we live and learn and pass on 
— to graduate perhaps into the higher school of life in some other 
world. 

The science of palmistry, like all else, is not new. As far 
back as we can trace its history we find it practised by the 
learned men of India — the country from which springs the high- 
est form of religious thought and spiritual development. 

In an ancient Indian drama, bearing the date 400 B. C, a 
philosopher is summoned before the ruler and asked to read the 
hands of infants in order that a worthy successor to the throne 
may be appointed. 

Again, when Greece led the world in art, literature, knowl- 
edge and refinement, we find the science of cheiromancy (from 
cheir, the hand) one of the most important branches of educa- 
tion in "which the priests and philosophers were expected to 
be proficient. 

The study of the hand has been known in all ages and all 
cli nes from the time of the ancients to the present day and from 
the frozen North to the Antipodes. 

Emphatically, of all the studies relating to character, such 
as phrenology, physiognomy, cheirography, etc., palmistry is 
entitled to first rank as being more accurate, more reliable and 
far more comprehensive. 

In the battle of life one learns to school one's features to 
passivity. It is not "comme il faut" to betray emotion. And so 
the calm, impassive face may hide the most turbulent spirit, and 
the hand alone will betray the fact. 

Bilzac in his "Comedie Humane" says: "We acquire the 
faculty of i npDsiag silence upon our lips, upon our eyes, upon 



16 Introduction. 

our eyebrows and upon our foreheads; the hand alone does not 
dissemble." 

Why Nature has chosen the hand as the index to the char- 
acter and life of its owner is a question which may never be pos- 
itively answered. We "live and move and have our being." We 
see about us the grass, the woods, the sea, the blue ether, the 
myriads of forms of life. Why it is thus we may never know 
or at least not until such time as our souls, freed from the nar- 
row confines of the body, may join the Infinite, and solve it all. 

One theory put forward by various scientists affords at least 
a partial explanation of the apparent mystery. It is to the effect 
that a nervous fluid, a subtle form of electricity, is used to con- 
vey the impressions of the brain to the nerves, and as medical 
science has demonstrated that there are more nerves connecting 
the brain with the hand than with any other portion of the anat- 
omy it is not strange that the hand more than any other mem- 
ber betrays the order of the owner's mentality. 

It is a well known medical fact that every apparent single 
nerve is in reality two nerve cords in one sheath; the one con- 
veys the action of the brain to the part, the other conveys the 
action of the part to the brain. From this it is easy to see that 
the mind must directly affect the hand in various directions. So 
much for facts on the subject. 

I will now give my individual theory for that which, after 
all, with the mysteries of Life and Death, we must be content to 
let remain for the present unsolved. The teachings that we are 
"children of God," that we are "made in His image and like- 
ness," I take to be literally true. Not, indeed, as so many ap- 
pear to believe, that God is a great, all powerful man sitting upon 
a lofcy throne, ruling by right of superior strength and dealing 
out to his victims reward or punishment, according to His pleas- 
ure or wrath; a being who doomed one of His children, "His 
only begotten son," to torture and death in order to "redeem" a 
world which — alas! — is not "redeemed." Such teachings are 



Introduction 17 

baroirous, sacrilegious. It is indeed wonderful that in this so- 
called enlightened age there are found people who will listen to 
such a d3ctrine. Only last Easter I heard an Episcopalian cler- 
gyman preach to a large congregation of the wrath of God; of 
death, wherein the soul lay imprisoned in the earth until the 
Judgment Day; of how on that great day all who — for thousands 
of years — have passed from earth life, shall rise from their tombs 
and pass in review before the Great Judge to receive their sen- 
tence. 

I could scarcely refrain from then and there protesting 
against training such a man for the profession of a clergyman. I 
looked about me. Here and there were people wearing signs 
of mourning. Nearly -every one in that large congregation had 
some loved one who had passed from this life to the Great 
Beyond. 

"Attacking Christianity!" says some one. Nothing can be 
more remote from my intentions, but I do emphatically deny the 
exclusive right to the name of "Christian" to those who, from 
varying motives, subscribe themselves believers in an orthodox 
creed. The principles of Christ are creedless. I trust, then, 
that I will not be accused of adherence to orthodoxy when I 
state that I believe we are literally "children of God." We are 
more. We are a part of the great Universal Mind which repre- 
sents all knowledge; which is eternal and omnipresent; to which 
there can be no such thing as "past" or "future," and to which 
we have given the name God. 

I believe that the spirit within each and every one of us, be- 
ing made in God's image and likeness, must know all things from 
life to lite. This soul knowledge manifests itself in various 
ways, through the medium of the sensitive brain, the more com- 
mon forms of this manifestation being intuition, premonition and 
sometimes dreams. 

Is it then unreasonable to suppose that this spiritual knowl- 
edge, through the medium of the nerves connecting the brain 



18 Introduction. 

with the hand, can trace on the sensitive palm the story of the 
life in the language of the hand? 

This, to me, logical theory is borne out by the fact that 
stolid, materialistic and primitive natures possess palms which 
are comparatively unlined, while the sensitive spiritualized na- 
ture has a palm literally covered with fine lines. 

I am making no "defense" of the science of palmistry. I 
believe none is needed. I do not think there is to be found a 
person of intelligence who will deny its claims. Many there 
are no doubt who have had neither the opportunity nor the de- 
sire to investigate the subject, but these surely will not presume 
to pass judgment upon that of which they are confessedly ig- 
norant. True, I may differ from many in my idea of what con- 
stitutes intelligence. 

Intelligence and education are by no means synonymous. 
Education seems to be a parrot-like ability to learn and recite 
the thoughts and experiences of others, under the mistaken im- 
pression that they are our own. And if the recitation has been 
satisfactorily performed, we are allowed the blessed privilege of 
prefixing Rev. or Prof., or of affixing M. D. or Q. C. or LL.D. 
to our names and there we are a living monument to some other 
person's ideas. 

This much striven for position once gained, who dares 
gainsay our right to determine all matters pertaining to life or 
death? 

Some time ago, in one of the smaller American cities, I 
heard a clergyman so far forget himself as to publicly attack 
the science of palmistry. I need not state that he knew noth- 
ing of the study. Certainly not. He did not believe in it. And 
to show the good people of his congregation how easily they 
could be deceived by "such things," he performed a few old fa- 
miliar tricks in legerdemain so clumsily as to make his illustra- 
tion valueless in point of deception. 

From that he proceeded to dispose of the ancient science of 



Introduction. 19 

palmistry with that assurance which ignorance alone can breed. 
Regarding the claims of palmistry to read future tendencies, 
the future he declared, never had been and never would be fore- 
told. The inconsistency of that "never would be," of course 
did not impress him. It did not occur to him that he was calmly 
deciding the future by predicting that it never would be fore- 
told. That part of the science of cheiromancy being disposed 
of, he proposed an explanation of the presence of the lines on 
the palm which I dare say he believed had been left these 
hundreds of years for his original brain to discover, and he was 
weighed down with the importance of the discovery. He hurled 
it at his congregation with a decision which left no room for 
doubt or argument, ''The lines are made by age and work." 

My readers can judge of the utter absurdity of such a 
statement. He need only have examined the hands of an in- 
fant, a society votarie and a working man to disprove such a 
theory. And then this eminently educated man, in face of the 
highest medical authorities of the day, dismissed the subject by 
saying that as there was absolutely no nerve communication be- 
tween the brain and the hands, that theory was not to be con- 
sidered. 

The incident would not be worthy of mention were it not 
for the fact that his congregation listened to, approved and ap- 
plauded the Rev. before his name. When will we learn 

that a prefix or an affix to a name does not presuppose to its 
bearer the possession of superior knowledge? 

Indeed, the man who has attained pre-eminence in some 
special study is the less fitted to pass judgment upon a subject 
of general interest, for the very material reason that his mental 
faculties have baen so concentrated upon his chosen subject as 
to make him incapable of viewing an unfamiliar one unbiased 
by the influence of his own special study. 

We would not think of accepting as final and conclusive a 
lawyer's opinion of medicine, for instance, neither would we 



20 Introduction. 

consult a physician on a matter of law. And yet there was a 
congregation of presumably thinking people actually listening 
to a most wretchedly illogical attack on a science of which he 
knew absolutely nothing from a man whose sole claim to recog- 
nition was his privilege of writing Rev. before his name. Not 
the least illogical feature of the affair is the fact that the Bible 
— the one subject upon which the man was supposed to be in- 
formed — is nothing but a record of prophecies, visions, revela- 
tions and interpretations of signs. 

Orthodox ministers and teachers base nearly all their ser- 
mons on the future life. They dogmatically predict the future, 
not alone of this life, but for eternity. If you do not believe or 
do thus and so, you will be damned. 

If that is not taking a liberty with the. future then surely 
the modest claims of palmistry do not include prediction. 

But in behalf of palmistry, I hold that anyone who gives 
the subject intelligent study will readily become convinced of 
its accuracy and importance. Of course there are persons who 
will purchase a cheap book on the science or consult a cheap 
"palmist" and straight-way decide that there is nothing in the 
study beyond a society "fad." 

I cannot impress too forcibly that palmistry is not in any 
sense mere "fortune telling," depending upon some intangible 
and mysterious power possessed by the palm reader. 

Palmistry is a^science based upon a thorough knowledge oi 
the shape and lines of the hand. 

Clairvoyance and mediumship are indisputable facts, but 
they have nothing to do with palmistry and should not be 
confounded withjthe science. 

The medicarexpert is enabled through a knowledge of his 
profession to note symptoms of disease years in advance of its 
development and to predict with a fair degree of certainty how 
many years the patient can reasonbly expect to live if the dis- 
ease is not arrested. Y"et the medical expert is not necessarily 



Introduction. 21 

a fortune teller. His prediction is based upon study, observa- 
tion and recorded facts. 

Palmistry is based upon exactly the same principles — re- 
corded facts, study and observation. 

But although palmistry is an acquired science and not a 
special gift its secrets cannot be learned in a single day, a week 
or even a year. 

It requires first of all a thorough understanding of its the- 
ories, a retentive memory, a logical mind and the power of anal- 
ysis and deduction. 

It requires, also, a liberal mind and deep sympathy ; but 
once the study is thoroughly mastered by the student, he is able 
to read in the shapeand markings of the hand the character and 
life of his fellow beings. 



McIvor-Tyndall's 
Revelations of the Hand, 



PART TIRST. 

CHEIROGNOMY. 

CHAPTER I. 
The Seven Types of hands. 

Palmistry, from the Greek word palma, or cheirosophy, 
from cheir, the hand, is the name given to the science of hand- 
reading as a whole. For the sake of more readily understand- 
ing the study however, it has been divided into two classifica- 
tions, namely cheirognomy and cheiromancy. 

Cheirognomy treats of the shape of the palm and fingers,, 
the type of the hand, the character, disposition and tem- 
perament. 

It also includes the texture and color of the skin, the shape 
and formation of the nails, and the thickness or suppleness of 
the palm and fingers. I consider these observations most 
important as the full meaning of the lines depends largely upon 
the type of hand. 

Most writers on the science of palmistry recognize seven 

23 



24 McIvor-Tyndall's .Revelations of the Hand. 

types of hands. A few I believe, ignore the use of the mystical 
number seven and claim only six. 

Personally I prefer to consider seven types. The number 
seven has played an important part in the history of the world 
and I confess to a belief in its occult significance. 

The seven types are variously designated as : 

1. The Primitive or Elementary type 

2. The Square type. 

3. The Spatulate type: 

4. The Conic type. 

5. The Philosophic type. 

6. The Psychic type. 

7. The Mixed type. 

These types must be subdivided according to their 
blendinsr. 




PLATE 1. — The Primitive or Elementary Type of Hand. 



CHAPTER II. 

The Primitive or Elementary Type of Hand. 

The Primitive hand indicates a very low order of mental- 
ity. The. palm is very broad and heavy, the skin coarse and 
thick, and the fingers short and stiff, with short nails. The 
thumb is short and heavy, and set close to the hand. 

Persons possessing this type of hand have little reasoning 
power. They are violent in their passions, having no self-con- 
trol. They are indifferent to their surroundings and have 
absolutely no conception of art or beauty. They have no 
ambitions or aspirations and are content with the most primi- 
tive existence. They must be governed and guided, lest their 
lack of self-control lead them into crime. They are the " dumb 
driven cattle " of humanity. 

The palm of such a hand will have few lines. This type, 
unmodified, is fortunately rarely found in English speaking 
countries. 



27 



CHAPTER HI. 
The Square Type of hand. 

The perfect type of the square hand would naturally mean 
the palm square and the fingers square at the sides and tips. 
It can also be said to belong to the "square" man as men 
possessing this type of hand will be found honest and upright 
in business dealings, punctual, orderly and methodical. They 
are extremely practical, having little originality of thought or 
action. They have an enviable faculty of perseverance and ap- 
plication and thus make a fair success at least, of anything 
within their scope. 

They have no imagination or intuition, and have no patience 
with those characteristics in others. One of the most deplora- 
ble things in life is the case of a boy with a psychic hand 
whose father's hand belongs to the square type. They must 
remain forever as far apart as the poles 

The square hand is conscientious and reliable, is not given 
'to "moods" and can be depended upon to be always the same. 
It will be found among the "respectable law-abiding citizens," 
as they never question established conditions. They are intol- 
erant of what they consider the short-comings of others. 
Although honest and truthful themselves they are inclined to 
be suspicious and distrustful. They look with disapproving 
eyes upon everything which does not appeal to their practical 
nature. They are careful in dress, punctilious in manner and 
respectful to those whom they consider their social superiors. 

28 




PLATE 2. — The Square Type of Hand. 



The Square Type of Hand. 31 

The modifications of this type will be readily recognized, 
in the influence of the characteristics of the various other types. 
For instance a square palm with spatulate fingers, will give to 
its owner the characteristics of both types. Thus the spatu- 
late fingers, denoting originality and inventive talent, in con- 
junction with the square palm, show a person whose inventive 
faculties will be directed along the most practical lines. This 
combination produces good mechanics and engineers. Their 
work will always be of a useful nature. 

By noting the characteristics of the different types, it will 
not be difficult to easily determine which type predominates in 
the hand under consideration. 



CHAPTER IV. 
The Spatulate Type of Hand. 

The unmodified spatulate type of hand is less common 
than the square. It is called the "spatulate" presumably 
because the tips of the lingers. resemble the chemists spatula- 
broad at the top. 

Some works on palmistry do not mention the type of the 
palm of the hand, depending entirely upon the formation of the 
fingers to determine the type to which the hand belongs. I find 
that much depends upon the shape of the palm. The purely spat- 
ulate hand therefore, is the hand which is spatulate in the palm 
as well as the finger tips. 

The palm which broadens visibly at the wrist or at the 
base of the fingers is spatulate in formation. 

The principal characteristics of the spatulate type are 
energy, originality and independence of thought and action. 
While it is the hand of the greatest inventors and discoverers, 
the qualities of the type will be the same in whatever vocation 
it is found. 

Thus whether in a profession or a trade, the owner of the 
spatulate hand will manifest independence and energy. He 
will not follow preconceived ideas or established, methods. He 
will think and act for himself and whether it be curing disease 
or putting up a stove he will find some new and better way of 
doing it. 

This peculiar characteristic of originality and independ- 
ence, often causes the person with the spatulate hand to be 

32 




J) '' I J 



\ 



PL A TE 3.— The Spatulate Type of Hand. 



The Spatulate Type of Hand. 35 

called eccentric and "cranky." So jealous are we of any viola- 
tion of our established rules of conduct. 

The peculiarities of the spatulate type are, of course, modi- 
fied by the characteristics of the type with which it is blended. 

Thus the spatulate hand .which is somewhat modified by 
the square formation in the fingers or palm denotes the person 
whose energy and originality will be put into practical use, 
while the spatulate hand with the artistic modification will 
belong to the man or woman of original ideas in art or lit- 
erature. 



CHAPTER V. 
The Conic Type of Hand. 

This type is called "conic" from the tapering shape of the 
palm and from the lingers which are formed like a cone — full 
at the base and tapering toward a semi -point at the tips. ' 

It is also called the artistic type because people possessing 
this shape of hand have an intense love of the beautiful and 
the artistic, from a painting to a bonnet or gown. They love 
beautiful surroundings and. especially if the hand be soft and 
full, ease and luxury. They are not energetic but they are 
quick, bright aud emotional in temperament. They are versa- 
tile and clever in conversation, brilliant and witty. 

Although much quicker in ideas than those of the purely 
spatulate type they are not as successful, because they lack the 
qualities of application and continuity of purpose. 

They are impulsive, warm-hearted and affectionate. They 
are very impressionable and sympathetic, and for this reason 
they appear changeable in matters of friendship and love. 
They are given to "moods" and when inspired can be most 
eloquent and magnetic. 

They dislike exertion, they are very fond of pleasure and 
they are not fond of work. The conic hair I has often been 
designated as the "woman's hand," and one writer on palm- 
istry goes so far as to give the "woman's hand" a type 
of its own in a chapter devoted to the primitive hand, the 
woman's hand, and the murderer's. 

I cannot agree with this. Temperament is sexless and the 

8(> 




PLATE 4.— The Conic or Artistic Type of Hand. 



The Conic Type of Hand. 39 

same difference exists between the thoughts and ideas of 
women as between those of men. 

The v conic hand with square fingers, naturally gives to its 
owner the characteristics of both types. Thus the impulse and 
changeableness of the conic hand will be modified by the exact- 
ness, method and perseverance of the square finger tips. The 
spatulate fingers on the conic hand give originality and 
energy to the artistic tastes. 

A large soft hand of the purely conic type, with short 
fingers full at the base, and much developed mounts of Venus 
and Luna, will belong to the sensualist; the selfish ease-loving 
nature which revels in the pleasures of the senses. If this type 
of hand is accompanied by a small thumb, its owner will be 
the victim of every caprice, without the power to reason or 
to resist his animal nature. 

The characteristic points therefore, of the conic hand are 
love of art, beauty and luxury, impulse, imagination, sympathy, 
cheerfulness, laziness and love of pleasure. These qualities 
will predominate according to the texture of the skin, the size 
of the thumb, the character of the fingers and the flexibility 
of the palm. 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Philosophic Type of Hand. 

This is pre-eminently the hand of the profound thinker; 
the lover of nature; the searcher after causes; the scientific 
investigator. 

The hand is rather large, thin and bony; the palm some- 
what broad, and the lingers long and "knotted" at the joints. 

This type of hand belongs to the philosophers and savants 
who look at life in an impersonal way, from the point of view 
of the student of life, wherein the importance of the individual 
is lost in the immensity of the whole and the accumulation of 
the centuries is as but a day in the process of evolution. 

The somewhat round linger tips betray a natural love of 
beauty and art, while the long phalanges and "knotted" joints 
tell of a temperament in which reasou, analysis and calculation 
predominate. 

Realizing, perhaps, the triviality of earthly possessions, it 
is not strange that the philosophic type of hand does not apply 
itself to the accumulation of material things. It prefers to 
store up knowledge instead of wealth. 

The extreme of this type, particularly with a very sloping- 
head line and a heavy finger of Saturn, indicates the religious 
fanatic. 

Knotted joints, on whatever type of hand, denote thought 
reflection, calculation, order. 



40 




PL A TE 5.— The Philosophic Type of Hand, 



CHAPTER VI . 
The Psychic Type of Hand. 

The psychic hand might be considered a spiritualized form 
of the conic type, since it possesses many of the character- 
istics of that type without any of its sensuality and worldliness. 

In appearance the psychic hand is longer, more slender 
and delicate than the conic. The skin is fine and white and 
the fingers long and pointed. It is the most beautiful of the 
seven types and also the most unpractical. It belongs to 
people of an idealistic, romantic temperament. They are ex- 
tremely sensitive and confiding. They love the highest ideals 
in all things. They are fond of poetry, music, harmony of 
color and perfume. Their mission is "peace on earth, good 
will toward men." They judge by intuition rather than reason 
and shrink instinctively from strife or contention. They have 
a deeply reverential nature. They worship the ideal, the sub- 
lime, the beautiful and the soul. They are so spiritualized 
that they see with the eyes of the spirit and scorn the eternal 
world-struggle for wealth, fame and empty honors. 

From the objective point of the square, possessors of the 
psychic type of hand are useless members of a material world, 
since they are wanting in method, energy and practicality. If 
pushed into the struggle for success by circumstances and 
environment, they generally go under in the fight. Instead of 
becoming more practical and worldly by contact with harsher 
natures, they shrink more and more within themselves, become 

43 



J4 McIyok-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

depressed and melancholy; often brooding over what they feel 
to be their failure in life. 

What children of this type must suffer at the hands of 
parents who do not, nor ever can, nnderstanl their sensitive, 
imaginative natures, only the pitying angels can know. 




PL A r TE 6 — The Psychic Type of Hand. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
The AAixed Type of Hand- 

This is perhaps the most common type of hand, and at 
the same time the most varied. The character represented by 
the mixed type is a "many sided" one. 

As the hand is a combination of the several types, the 
owner naturally possesses in greater or less degree the 
characteristics represented by those types. The mixed type is 
quite readily recognized. When the hand cannot be said to 
belong to any distinct type it can be classed as the mixed 
hand. 

This should not be confounded with a hand which repre- 
sents a distinct type only slightly modified. For instance a 
hand which shows a distinctly spatulate palm with two or 
more lingers spatulate -tipped, must be regarded as belonging 
to the spatulate type, even though one or perhaps two of the 
fingers be conic or square. By the purely mixed type I mean 
the hand in which the palm itself is neither distinctly square, 
conic, nor spatulate, and of which the fingers are of varying 
types. 

Naturally the mixed hand belongs to people whose 
character is "mixed." They are undoubtedly clever and versa- 
tile in ideas, diplomatic, speculative and sociable. They 
possess a vast fund of general information, ingratiate themselves 
with all sorts and conditions of people and easily adapt them- 
selves to their surroundings. Their versatility makes them 
lacking in continuity of purpose but much depends upon the 

47 



4S McIvoe-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

size and shape of the thumb and the order of brain power indi- 
cated by the line of mentality. Will, logic and common sense 
can do much toward overcoming faults and compelling success. 
Children with the distinctly mixed type of hand should 
be early trained to fixedness of purpose along some chosen 
line, thus overcoming the tendency to dilettantism. 




PLATE 7.— The Mixed Type of Hand.. 



CHAPTER IX- 

The ringers- 
Fingers are square tipped, conic, pointed or spatnlate ac- 
cording to the type of hand of whieh they are a part. They 
are smooth or knotted; long or short, thick or clumsy, or slen- 
der and supple. They have three phalanges. The first or 
nail phalange, the second or middle phalange, and the third 
phalange connecting the fingers with the palm. 

Long ringers. 
Long fingers are generally admitted to denote intellectu- 
ality. Their length must of course be considered comparatively 
with the length of the hand. Long fingers are more cautious, 
more observant of details and more exacting in small matters 
than short fingers. 

Short ringers. 
Short fingers belong to people of impulse and action. 
They do not trouble about details, but observe only as a whole. 
Thus they arrive at their conclusions without due reflection 
with the result that they often "change their minds." They 
are indifferent to appearances and impatient of the restraints of 
conventionality. They are often blunt and outspoken in 
speech . 

Thick, Heavy Fingers- 
Thick heavy fingers show animalism and selfishness. 
Stiff fingers betray an excessively cautious, reserved and secre- 
tive nature. 

51 



52 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

Supple Tingers. 

Fingers which are flexible show cleverness, tact and a 
lively interest in everything. When they are wide apart and 
the tips curve backward, they denote curiosity and the desire 
to pry into the affairs of others. 

Crooked Tingers. 

Crooked fingers are supposed to belong to persons whose 
principles and methods are sometimes designated as "crooked." 
This interpretation, however, has to be taken with extreme 
caution. I have found that an otherwise good hand may have 
distorted or twisted fingers; in which event I have found their 
owners possessed of a fussy, irritable, but perfectly honest nature. 
On a bad hand crooked fingers undoubtedly accentuate the bad 
qualities. 

Pull, Pleshy Pingers. 

Fingers which are very full and fleshy at the base are 
selfish as regards their material comfort. They are fond of 
luxurious living and are inclined to the pleasures of the senses. 

Thin, Waist-shaped Pingers 

When the fingers are thin at the third phalange or base, it 
denotes unselfishness and a nature devoted to mental, rather 
than physical, enjoyment. 

Relative Length of Pingers. 

When the first finger, called the finger of Jupiter, is very 
long in proportion to the length of the others, it denotes great 
pride and ambition. When the mount below the finger is 
much developed also, it reveals a dictatorial, autocratic spirit. 

When the second finger, called the finger of Saturn, is in 
excess, it denotes a thoughtful, studious ": the mount 



The Fingers. 53 

below this linger is large also, it shows a tendency to melan- 
cholia and pessimism. 

When the third finger, the linger of Apollo, is unusually 
long it shows that love of the beautiful and the artistic will 
dominate the life. In connection with a long linger of Jupi- 
ter, it betrays ambition for fame, power, wealth or distinct- 
ion. When this linger is equal in length to the second, it 
denotes the gambler. Whether the gambling propensities will 
be displayed in the card room, on the battle field or "on 
Change" depends upon the character of the hand. 

A long well-shaped little finger is a fortunate possession. 
It shows eloquence, power of expression, and, in conjunction 
with a good thumb and a clear straight head line, it gives to 
its owner that power of "twisting people around their little 
finger" which is so great a factor in the attainment of worldly 
success. 

A relatively short little finger shows cleverness of another 
kind. When it sets out from the hand showing a wide space 
between it and the finger of Apollo, it denotes an independent, 
quick-witted person, quick of thought and action, emotional, 
witty and brilliant, rather than forcible or logical, in argument. 

Knotted and Smooth ringers. 

Knotted fingers are those with developed joints. Strangely 
enough hard work has nothing to do with producing this for- 
mation, as it is more generally found in the hands of men who 
do only mental work. They may be found on every type of 
hand, although they belong naturally to the philosophic type. 

Knots indicate reflection, the reverse of smooth fingers — - 
the fingers of impulse. They denote care and method in 
work, whether mental or manual. The writer with knotted 
joints will be painstaking and accurate in the accumulation and 



5-t McIyor-Tyndall's Revelations o* the Hand. 

arrangement of his ideas and information. He will be analy- 
tical and, above all, logical in his conclusions. 

Knotted fingers on the laboring man will give a sense of 
responsibility, patience and exactness in carrying out instruct- 
ions or arranging the details of his work. Knotted fingers 
show order and philosophy. Smooth fingers show impulse and 
intuition. 

Smooth joints are naturally the opposite of the knotted. 
They are more impulsive and accept existing conditions with- 
out argument. 

The type of hand on which they are found greatly modifies 
the characteristics of the fingers. For instance, smooth fingers 
on the square or spatulate type of hand, have not the same de- 
gree of significance as on the conic and psychic hands. 

Tingers Leaning Toward Each Other. 

When fingers naturally lean toward one another it shows the 
influence of the qualities represented by the finger. Thus if 
the other fingers incline toward a long finger of Jupiter, the 
qualities represented by Jupiter will predominate in the char- 
acter of th 9 person. 

The Three Phalanges of the Tingers, 

The first or nail phalange of the fingers represents the 
intuitive faculties — the domain of the spirit. 

The second phalange represents the mental endowments; 
intellect. 

The third phalange represents the material nature. These 
observations are important in determining temperament. 



CHAPTER X. 
The Thumb- 
Montaigne, in Volume II, of his essays, devotes a chap- 
ter to the thumb in which he says: "Physicians say that 
the thumb is the master-finger of the hand and that their 
Latin etymology is derived from pollere (to be powerful)." 

If the hand can be said to represent the character and life 
of a man, the thumb is unquestionably the man, for it repre- 
sents the three great elements in his life, will. power, intellect 
and love. 

The Chinese, Japanese and Persian students of the science 
of palmistry base their conclusions as to character, upon the 
shape, size and position of the thumb, almost exclusively. 

Idiots have insignificant, undeveloped thumbs, which 
they hide instinctively beneath their fingers. I have found in my 
experience as a physician that in the case of the dying, as the hold 
upon life weakens, the thumb turns in toward the palm, and 
the will no longer asserts itself. 

It is inferable therefore, that as the thumb represents the 
will and the intellect, the person with a short, small thumb set 
close to the hand will be weak and cowardly, while a long, firm 
and well -shaped thumb denotes refinement and the ability to 
carry out successfully the ideas of its owner, through force of 
logic and will-power. 

Much has been written of the thumb, and its history is 
interesting. Among the records of the ancient wars, we read 

57 



58 McIyor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

that captors used to cut off the thumbs of their prisoners, to 
render them incapable of carrying arms. Biting the thumb is 
the Italian way of expressing contempt. During the middle ages 
when the trouble of learning to read and write was left to the 
priests and hermits, the magistrates and barons were accus- 
tomed to sign all necessary documents by making their 
u thumb-mark" in ink. So true an index is the thumb that 
no two marks are alike. Life or death for combatants in the 
arena, in the days of Ancient Rome, was determined by the 
upward or downward motion of the thumb. If the spectators 
raised their thumbs, it signified that their will was to 
grant the life of the gladiator. If they reversed them, he was 
to die. 

The thumb is divided into three parts. The first or nail 
phalange represents will, the second phalange indicates logic or 
reason. The third phalange forms part of the hand and is called 
the mount of Venus, representing love. 

When the thumb is properly balanced, each phalange 
being proportionately developed, and the thumb is firm with a 
slope toward the fingers, it shows a nature in which will power 
is coupled with judgment and logic — giving character and 
dignity to an independent, determined spirit. 

When this type of thumb sets far out from the hand at 
right angles, it shows exaggeration of these qualities: a nature 
that will not brook restraint or opposition; one which will go 
to extremes in its independence. 

When the thumb is unevenly balanced, one phalange being 
in excess, it naturally denotes an excess of the characteristics 
which that phalange represents. Thus when the first phalange is 
extremely long in proportion to the thumb, the person will be 
strong willed, but lacking in logic and reason. 

When the second phalange is much longer than the first, 
the person will reason logically and well; plan wisely; but fail 




PLATE 9— The Thumbs. 



The Thumb. 61 

in execution. He lacks the determination and continuity of 
purpose necessary to carry out his clever ideas. 

When the third phalange, the mount of Venus, is far in 
excess of the first and second phalanges, the person will be 
ruled almost wholly by his desires, appetites and passions. 

Supple and Stiff Thumbs. 

When the thumb is supple and can be bent backward, it 
shows exaggeration and prodigality, extravagance in all things 
— dress, art, words and enterprises. Persons with this type of 
thumb have the sympathy and generosity which gives adapta- 
bility to people and place. 

The stiff-jointed thumb which bends very little, if at all, 
denotes the opposite of the supple- jointed type. The stiff 
thumb tells of an unyielding, determined nature — cautious and 
secretive. Stiff- thumbed people do not easily adapt themselves 
to new surroundings and new friends. They are not broad in 
their sympathies, but they are just, as they understand justice. 
They keep a firm control over their feelings and may be relied 
upon to do what they consider their duty. They are staunch 
and true but undemonstrative. 

When the first, or nail phalange, is large and heavy as well as 
stiff it shows the extreme of will power and unyielding determ- 
ination, which is an ungovernable temper *and stubbornness. 

If this phalange be also clubbed in formation and stiff- 
jointed, with a short second phalange it shows brutality and 
murderous instincts. 

The second phalange, representing the judgment and 
reasoning power, is very important in its significance. When 
formed with a narrow center it shows tact, keenness of intel- 
lect, diplomacy and finesse. The full formation of this 
phalange, shows the blunt reason untempered by tact. 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Nails- 

The study of the nails is important chiefly in its relation 
to disease, although this point must also be considered in regard 
to temperament. I do not maintain as do some writers on this 
point that "the person who bites his or her nails is not to be 
trusted." Neither do 1 consider the habit "filthy or degrad- 
ing," or in any sense to be compared to morphinomania, to 
which level, one writer on the science assigns it. It shows a 
nervous, impatient nature and one that will not brook restraint 
but the principles may be of the highest, the mentality of the 
brightest, the morals unquestionable, although the person has 
the unfortunate habit of biting the nails. 

The habit is often contracted in childhood from sheer 
diffidence and nervous self- consciousness and like any other 
habit when not corrected at once it may become what we call 
second nature. 

Long Nails. 

Long nails, especially when thin, are indications of phy- 
sical weakness When curved or fluted they show a tendency to 
weak vitality and lung trouble. These characteristics in excess 
indicate consumption. 

Long nails which widen at the top, especially when blue 
in tint and the accompaniment to cold hands, show weak circu- 
lation, nervousness and anaemia. (Plate 9, Figures 1 and 2.) 

Short Nails. 
Short red nails denote obstinancy. Flat nails denote 

02 



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fS | 1 

i Me 

5 ! 


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^ 


_ * 




~j£ 



-& 

Ck 












The Nails. 65 

general organic weakness. If well colored, however, the mind 
is energetic and ambitious. Short nails belong to quick, active 
and impulsive people. On a weak hand they further accentu- 
ate the indications of a frivolous nature. Short, small, thin 
nails show heart disease. 

Short nails, narrow at the base and wide at the top, trian- 
gular shaped, show a tendency to paralysis. (Plate 10, Fig- 
ures 3 and -A.) 

General Characteristics. 

The general conclusion to be deduced from a study of 
the nails, therefore, is that long nails show a more quiet, 
reasonable and less critical nature than short nails, and a pre- 
disposition to anaemia, pulmonary troubles and general weak- 
ness of the physical system. 

People with short nails are more critical, impulsive, obsti- 
nate and less gentle natured than those with long nails. So 
also, short nails show a tendency to heart disease, apoplexy 
and paralysis. 

Fine, broad, delicate nails show relinement, sensitiveness 
and spirituality. 

Thick coarse nails belong to the primitive hanck 

Dark nails show weak digestion. 

Bright, pink colored nails show good circulation and an 
active cheerful temperment. 

Yellow colored nails show nervousness and biliousness. 

Dull, greyish colored nails show a depressed, morbid con- 
dition. 

White spots on the nails show too much acidity in the 
system. 

• Short, irregular shaped nails show a deceitful person. 



CHAPTER X . 
Large and Small, Hard and Soft hands. 

In noticing the hand and thumb, the relative size of the 
hand must be considered, as well as the texture of the hand. 
As long fingers are found to denote intellectuality, so too, I 
have found that a long palm, with correspondingly long 
lingers, indicates literary ability and refined tastes. 

One of the rules of gypsy palmistry was that persons 
whose palms were equal in length or longer than the fingers 
resembled their father in temperament, and that where the 
fingers were relatively the longer, thepeison inherited from the 
maternal side. In the cases where I have tested this theory, I 
have found it true. I am convinced that the fingers need not 
be longer than the palm to denote intellectuality. 

Larqe Hands. 

Large hands are fond of detail; are very particular in 
matters of etiquette and are more easily annoyed by trifling 
matters than by great troubles. 

Large hands do the finest work, are more painstaking and 
methodical and are less critical than small hands. Large hands 
generally accompany diffident, self -deprecatory natures. 

Small hands. 

Small hands have large ideas, great plans. They over- 
look details and criticise only from the standpoint of the 

66 



Large and Small, Hard and Soft Hands. (u 

* 

ensemble. Small hands are seldom lacking in self confidence 
and the j are often extremely conceited. 

Hollow Pa ms. 

A hollow palm is invariably considered unfortunate in 
money matters. Cheiro's observations have convinced him 
that the hollow always inclines more toward one portion of the 
hand than another and it signi es misfortune for whatever line 
it inclines toward. Thus, if the hollow inclines toward the line 
of life — domestic trouble is foreshadowed. 

When the hollow is deepest under the line of fate, misfor- 
tune in social and business affairs will be the result. 

When under the heart it tells of unhappiness in love 
affairs. 

Personally I have observed that hollow- palmed people are 
not happy. They are pessimistic, easily depressed and ever 
conscious of the tragedies of life. They are deeply thoughtful 
and sympathetic. They have excellent executive ability, but 
it is probably due to their keen sympathies that they do- not 
'•hold on to money." 

hard and Soft hands. 

When the hand is dry and hard it shows a severe, ener- 
getic and worrying nature. 

An exceedingly hard hand shows a calous, hardened and 
brutal nature. This of course does not allude to the hand 
which has been hardened by manual labor. That will show 
for itself. 

A thin dry hand betrays a nervous irritable temperament. 

A thick palm shows coarseness; sensuality. 

Hard hands show excessive energy. 

Soft hands denote indolence, love of ease and pleasure, and 



68 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. ' 

a disposition toward laziness and selfishness. When thick as 
well as soft, dissipation. 

Firm, elastic hands show intelligence and a well-balanced 
mind. 

A good hand is firm without being hard, elastic without 
being soft. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
The Color of the Palm. 

The color of the palm is important in its relation to the 
health of the individual, as well as the temperament. 

A bright, cheerful, contented nature and good health are 
indicated by a firm, pink colored palm. 

A hasty temper, intensity of passion, materalism, and an 
inclination to apoplexy or heart disease, are shown by a pal m 
very red in color. 

A palm quite white in color indicates an anaemic, neural- 
gic condition, as well as coldness, indiference, and a lack of 
sympathy. 

A palm yellow in color indicates liver and kidney trouble. 



4 

69 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The /nounts. 

The name given to the protuberances which are found at 
the base of each finger, and along the sides of the hand, have 
descended to us from Astrological Palmistry. It would be im- 
possible to say, without going into the subject deeply, just 
what connection there may be between the planets and the 
nerve centers of the hand. That we are more or less directly 
influenced by the seven planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, 
Venus, Mars, the Sun and the Moon, no one who has given the 
subject even the slightest attention, will feel disposed to deny. 
So also by observation, a student of the science of palmistry 
can tell by an examination of the hand, which of the seven 
planets, most influences the subject. 

That, however, belongs to the domain of astrology, a 
knowledge of which is not necessary in the study of palmistry. 

A\ount of cJupiter. 

The development found at the base of the first finger is 
called the mount of Jupiter. When well developed it denotes 
pride, ambition, lofty aspirations, religious fervor, enthusiasm, 
and love of power. 

When in excess it gives over-bearing pride, a domineering 
spirit, arrogance, and love of display — braggadocio. 

Tne absence of Jupiter is not favorable. It shows want of 
dignity and self respect — weakness of character. 

/Hount of Saturn. 
This is the development found at the base of the second 

70 



The Mounts. 71 

finger, and denotes wisdom, thought, profundity, sadness and 
love of study and investigation. In excess it shows a morose, 
gloomy nature — silent and melancholy. 

Mount of Apollo. 

This mount is found at the base of the third finger. When 
well developed it gives a love of the beautiful, of art, music, liter- 
ature, a desire for genius, glory, fame, riches. It gives hope, 
cheerfulness, sociability, beauty and graciousness. 

In excess it denotes extravagance, recklessness, haughti- 
ness, vanity, envy and frivolity. 

Mount of Mercury. 

This is the development found at the base of the fourth 
finger and is separated from the mount of Mars by the line of 
heart. When normally developed, it shows aptitude for science, 
versatility of ideas, changeability of mood, activity, business 
ability, eloquence, and subtlety; a leaning toward the cccult 
sciences. 

In excess it shows an exaggeration of these qualities which 
is not lavorable. If lacking it shows an absence of these 
qualities. 

Mount of Mars- 

There are two mounts of this name. The first is found 
beneath the mount of Jupiter, inside the life line. When firm 
and well developed it gives courage, resolution, and the noble 
fighting spirit of the soldier. In excess, it shows an aggressive, 
quarrelsome nature, and in a bad hand, brutality. 

The second mount of Mars is found below the mount of 
Mercury, separated from it by the heart line. It shows the 
courage that belongs to resolution, forbearance, patience, self- 
control, and resistance against misfortune. 

Mount of Luna. 
The mount which terminates the hand proper, opposite the 



72 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

mount of Venus and below the second mount of Mars, is the 
mount of Luna, or the Moon. When normally developed, t 
shows imagination, romance, love of poetry, harmony, mystery 
and sentiment; high ideals. 

In excess, it indicates discontent, sadness, superstition, and 
a tendency to morbid fancies. 

A\ount of Venus. 

The development found at the base of the thumb, and form 
ing its third phalange, is the mount of Venus. It is encircled 
by the line of life and, as under this mount is situated one of the 
most important blood vessels in the hand, upon its development 
largely depends the depth and color of the line of life. A firm 
well developed mount of Venus shows a full-blooded, healthy 
physique. It also shows -affection, sympathy, love of beauty 
and harmony. It betrays the quality and extent of the love 
nature, indicating the difference between deep love and selfish 
passion. 

A small, thin mount of Venus shows a cold, unsympathetic 
nature, and poor vitality. An abnormally developed mount of 
Venus indicates violent and brutal passions. 

• Blending of the Mounts. 

When a mount leans toward another, it blends with the 
qualities of the mount toward which it leans, modifying the char- 
acteristics of each. Thus if the mount of Apollo (the Sun) 
leans toward Mercury, the love of art and fame indicated by 
that mount, will be influenced by the commercial and scientific 
tendency of Mercury. 




PL A TE 11.— The Mounts. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Right and Left Hands- 
Early disciples of the science of cheirosophy were accus- 
tomed to depend entirely upon the left hand in interpreting- 
character and forecasting events, on the principle that it] is 
nearer the heart, the mainspring of life. In an interesting book 
on this subject published in England in 1 5 3 1 , the line of heart is 
given as the "Vital line." Later observation, however, has 
proven that the left hand indicates the natural or inherited tend- 
encies, talents, and possibilities, while the right hand registers 
the effect of training, experience, environment and so forth. 

In instances where great changes have been brought about 
in ideas, locality, social conditions or aspirations, the right hand 
will be found very unlike the left. It is also worthy of note that 
in rare cases where a person has been the "power behind the 
throne," and has attained success through some one else, by 
managing their affairs, the left hand will show success where the 
right does not. The left hand can be said to be passive, and the 
right active. 

It is therefore necessary to examine both hands before 
arriving at a conclusion, depending more upon the right than the 
left hand, for future tendencies. 



75 



CHAPTER XVI. 
Resume of Cheirognomy. 

In the preceeding chapters are set forth, as clearly as possi- 
ble in a volume of this size, the various types of hands, their 
characteristics, and some of their modifications: In arriving at 
a definite conclusion, it will be necessary to consider carefully 
all points in connection with the various types. A thorough 
knowledge of cheirognomy is essential, before attempting a 
study of cheiromancy. 

Thus, if the student should observe a person with an abnorm- 
ally long first phalange of the thumb, he must not decide hastily 
that he or she is recklessly determined, over-bearing and obsti- 
nate. He must consider the type of hand, the length and shape 
of the fingers, the texture of the skin, the space between the 
fingers, whether the thumb itself is stiff or supple, and the depth 
and character of the lines of mentality, heart and life. 

Thus according as the different characteristics indicated 
are blended and modified, he should be able with the faculty of 
deduction, to form a just conclusion. 

The science of palmistry can not be learned in a day 
although I have seen advertisements guaranteeing to teach it in 
''seven lessons." I am not advised as to whether the "teacher" 
depended upon some mystical power in the number seven, or 
upon the phenominal aptitude of his pupils. 

Certainly much depends upon the adaptability of the 
student. As in the study of music one pupil may far out dis 
taace another, so in the study of palmistry one may, by ready 

76 



Resume of Cheirognomy. 77 

comprehension and assimilation of the principles of the science, 
master in a comparatively short time what another may 
never be able to understand. But not in seven lessons. On 
the other hand, I have in mind a certain estimable woman who, 
after devoting several years to the study of palmistry, finally 
declared that "it. was quite too intricate for her." Not all indeed, 
are blessed with that gift of spiritual perception which makes 
the acquisition of knowledge merely absorptive. 



PART SECOND. 

CHEIROMANCY, 

CHAPTER I. 
The Lines of the Hand. 

The second part of the study of Palmistry is devoted to the 
interpretation of the lines and markings of the palm. 

Before forming an opinion of the exact meaning of this or 
that line or marking, it will be found necessary to have made a 
thorough examination of the cheirognomy of the hand. In 
treating of the lines of the hand, it is advisable to divide them 
into sevens. 

The seven principle lines are: 

The Line of Life. 

The Line of Mentality, or Head. 

The Line of Heart. 

The Line of Fate. 

The Line of Apollo, or the Sun. 

The Line of Health. 

The Girdle of Venus. 

79 



80 McIvok-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

The seven lesser lines are called: 

The Line of Mars. 

The Via Lascivia. 

The Line of Intuition. 

The Line of Marriage. 

The Three Bracelets. 
The locations of these lines can readily be learned by study- 
ing Plate 12, Map of the Hand. 




Lit** Of 2 
(vlftRRIfter £ 






/YaA? 12 -The Lines of the Hand. 




Plate 13— Seven Principal Lines 



CHAPTER II- 
The Line of Life- 

The line outside the mount of Mars, under the mount of 
Jupiter, and circling the mount of Venus, is called the line of 
life. This is the most important line of the hand and is never 
absent. It will be found to relate to all things touching the life 
of the subject such as health, changes, accidents, deaths, losses 
illnesses, duration of life, etc. 

Generally speaking, a long line of life indicates a long 
life, a short line of life indicates a short life. This rule taken 
literally, however, will prove very unsatisfactory and puzzling, as 
the line may be broken, or it may be cut by the line of health, 
or it may be long in one hand and short in the other, again, the 
length and termination of the line of mentality must be consid- 
ered in determining the length of life. 

Whenever the line of life is clear and deep, and continues 
in a narrow, unbroken line around the mount of Venus, it indi- 
cates a long life and good health. 

When the line is pale and broad, it indicates feeble health ? 
and a weak nature. 

When the line is irregular, that is, deep and clear in some 
parts, and pale and broad in others, it indicates periods of alter- 
nate good and ill health. 

When the line is made up of little links like a chain, it is a 
positive indication ol ill health throughout the life. 

The closer to the mount of Jupiter the starting point of the 
line of life, the earlier in life will begin the self-reliance and in- 
dependence of the subject. 

85 



86 McIvor-Tynd all's Revelations of the Hand. 

When the line is broken in the left hand, but clear and un- 
broken in the right, some dangerous illness is threatened which 
may be avoided. 

When the line is connected with the line of mentality it 
shows a cautious, prudent nature with a degree of sensitiveness. 
(Plate 14, Fig. 1.) 

When the line is closely connected with the mental line 
for a considerable distance, it shows extreme sensitiveness, dif- 
fidence and self-consciousness. 

When there is a slight space between the lines of life and 
mentality, it shows a self-reliant nature, one that will not be 
be easily deterred from carrying out his plans. (Plate 14, 
Fig. 2.) 

The wider the space the more self-confidence, which logic- 
ally results (when too wide) in recklessness and conceit. 

When the lines of life, heart and mentality are joined 
together under the mount of Saturn, it is a very unfavorable 
sign. If found in both hands it presages a violent death. 
(Plate 31, hand of J. B.) 

When the life line ends abruptly without branch lines or 
islands, it indicates a sudden death. This will be verified by the 
lines of fate and mentality, (Plate 14, Fig. 3.) 

A line rising from the line of life and ascending to the 
mount of Jupiter, shows success, gratified ambition, an inde- 
pendent move at that point of life. (Plate 14, Fig. 4.) 

Fine lines drooping from the life line are unfavorable. 
They signify loss of health or wealth, at the age at which they 
appear. (Plate 14, Fig. 5,) 

Lines rising from the life line are favorable. They signify 
gain at the age at which they are marked. 

A line rising from the life line and going to the mount of 
Saturn along with the fate line shows gain in wealth through 
individual effort. 

A line rising from the life line and going direct to the 




Plate 14— Life Lines. 



The Line of Life. 89 

mount of the Sun, denotes celebrity in accordance with the type 
of the hand. 

A line crossing from the line of life to the mount of Mer- 
cury, signifies success in business, or scientific persuits accord- 
ing to the type of hand. 

When the line of life is tasseled at the end, it signifies 
trouble and ill health at the end of life. If merely forked it sig- 
nifies death while away from home. 

Signs on the Life Line- 

A cross on the line of life indicates an accident. 

An island at the commencement of the line of life, shows 
unfavorable conditions at the time of birth, generally an in- 
herited disease. 

An island on the life line shows an illness at the time of 
its appearance. Its duration can be ascertained by the length 
of the island. 

A square on the line of life denotes preservation from ill- 
ness; from accidental death if the life line be broken within the 
square. 

Spots on the life line are indications of weak vitality 
usually nervous diseases. 



CHAPTER III. 
Line of Mentality, or head. 

The character and position of the line of mentality, largely 
determines the intellect of the subject, the character and quality 
of the talent, and the condition of the health as it affects the 
mind. 

The line of mentality is found, on the normal hand, under 
the line of heart. It may have its starting point on the side of 
the hand, on the mount of Mars, from the beginning of the life 
line, or from the mount of Jupiter. It is more commonly found 
to rise from the commencement of the life line. This position 
of the mental line denotes a sensitive, conscientious nature, a 
shrinking from publicity and a tendency to keep a firm check on 
the emotions. 

When the mental line is closely connected with the line of 
life for a considerable distance, it indicates the extreme of the 
foregoing characteristics. The person will be over cautious, 
over sensitive, etc. 

When the mental line rises from the mount of Jupiter, and 
sloping down just touches the line of life and continues across 
the hand, it shows an extremely ambitious nature with great pride 
and intellect, determination and brain power, yet careful, tactful 
and cautious. 

When the mental line rises on the mount of Jupiter, but is 
not connected with the line of life, the subject will have the fore- 
going characteristics, but will lack tact and self-control. He 
will be somewhat impetuous, over-enthusiastic, and hasty. 
When the space between the lines of life and mentality is ex- 

90 



Line of Mentality, or Head. 91 



tremely wide, the person will be reckless, conceited, and, if the 
line of mentality be also short, wanting- in intelligence. 

When the mental line starts from inside the life line, on the 
mount of Mars, it shows a nervous, irritable and changeable 
person — inconstant and unstable in thought and action, but with 
a tendency toward aggressiveness. (Plate 15, Fig. 3.) 

The general characteristics of the line of mentality with- 
out regard to the type of hand are: 

Long, clear and straight — it denotes a practical, clear- 
headed person. Narrow, weak and short, it shows a lack of 
mentality; a frivolous "empty-headed" person. (Plate 15, Fig. 1.) 

When the line of mentality slopes toward the mount of 
Luna, ending in two branches, it promises literary talent, in ac- 
cordance with the type ot hand. 

When the mental line is chained and broad it shows a lack 
of concentration and a disposition to neuralgic headaches. 
(Plate 15, Fig. 4.) 

When the line extends straight across the palm in a clear 
deep line it indicates an unusual intellect, but, unless it be 
balanced by the heart line, it also shows coldness, uncharitable- 
ness and selfishness. (Plate 15, Fig. 2.) 

When an extremely long straight line of mentality tends 
upward in the direction of the mount of Mercury, it denotes 
financial success in business; that overwhelming business ability 
which pays its workers eighty cents a day, while the yearly 
profits net a million. 

A short, but deep and clear line of mentality shows the 
practical, materialistic nature. 

An abnormally short mental line on an otherwise brainy 
hand presages an early death. 

When the mental line ends abruptly, it indicates a sudden 
death at the age which will be indicated on the lines of life 
and fate. 

When the line of mentality is broKen under the mount of 



92 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

Saturn, it is a positive indication of sudden death through some 
fatality. 

When the lines of life, mentality and heart are joined 
together under the mount of Saturn, it is an extremely unfor- 
nate sign; if in both hands it is an invariable sign of some fatal- 
ity. (Plate 31, hand of J. B.) 

When the line of mentality sends a branch to the mount of 
Jupiter, it indicates that the mentality of the subject will be in- 
fluenced by ambition and desire for power. 

If the branch extend toward Saturn, it partakes of the qual- 
ities of that mount — love of study, solemnity, scientific investi- 
gation, religion. 

If toward the Sun (Apollo), the person's mental energies will 
be directed toward the study of art or the attainment of celebrity. 

If toward Mercury, commerce and science will claim the 
mind. 

If the mental line runs into a star on the mount of Jupiter, 
it denotes wonderful success in all things. 

An island on the line of mentality, I have always found to 
denote brain fever, or some illness temporarily affecting the 
mind. 

A square on the mental line, shows preservation from an 
injury to the head. 

In determining the qualities indicated by the various posi- 
tions of the mental lines it is very important that the type of 
hand should be carefully considered, and the normal and abnor- 
mal character of the line in relation to the type of hand be 
noted. 

Thus the natural mental line on the primitive hand is short, 
deep and red. It therefore follows that a long sloping head 
line on such a hand would give in place of the poetical imagina- 
tion of the artistic type — an element of fear and superstition. 

The normal position for the line of mentality on the square 
hand (the practical, useful type) is straight and fairly long. { 



•***. 







Plate\15— Lines of Mentality. 



Line of Mentality, or Head. 95 

Any tendency therefore to a sloping head line is of far more 
significance than if found on the psychic or conic types. It 
shows imagination combined with a practical nature and the 
owner of such a hand would - be sure to put to some practical 
use, his power of imagination. 

The normal head line on the philosophic type of hand is 
long, sloping close to the line of life, and set far down on the 
hand. The unnatural position therefore would be found in a 
line of head which was straight across the palm. This at once 
gives to the natural love of study, of analysis and reflection which 
characterizes the philosophic type, an almost double nature. 
The owner of such a hand can be either practical or imaginative. 
He will be sure to be coldly analytical — mercilessly critical. 

The natural position of the mental line on the conic hand, 
is slightly sloping to the mount of Luna. The conic hand rep- 
resents impulse, inspiration and love of the artistic and the beau- 
tiful. It therefore follows that a straight head line on the conic 
type of hand adds to the natural talent the desire to make 
practical use of his artistic abilities and this element of "com- 
mon sense" turns the ease-loving dilettante into a successful 
worker. 

The natural position of the mental line on the psychic hand 
is very sloping and connected with the line of life. The psychic 
type represents the sensitive, idealistic, visionary character. The 
straight line of mentality therefore, if found on the this type of 
hand, would simply modify in some degree the natural char- 
acteristics of the type. 

Abnormal Characteristics Shown by the Line of Mentality. 

Thus by logical deduction it is possible to account for and 
understand the combinations and modifications of the various 
characteristics shown by the lines. Any unnatural position or 
formation of the lines, shows some characteristic out of keeping 
with the type of hand. Thus, an unnaturally sloping line of 



{ ,)Q McIvob-Tynd all's Revelations of the Hand. 

mentality, extending far down on the mount of Luna, (the Moon), 
shows an abnormal imagination — an unbalanced mentality, 
which may at any time, under a severe mental strain, result in 
insanity. This is all the more possible if the mount of Saturn be 
also much developed, as a very full mount of Saturn is always 
indicative of a gloomy, depressed, morose and melancholy 
nature. 

The other abnormal position of the line of mentality, is 
rising high on the hand and running into the line of heart 
This formation indicates murderous tendencies. v Plate 29, hand 
of George Kelly.) 

Some palmists divide the hand into two hemispheres, by 
the line of mentality. The upper half represents intellect, the 
lower half, materialism. 

If this division be admitted as reliable, it naturally follows 
that if the line of mentality be set high on the hand, the coarser 
instincts of the subject will rule the life. "This" one writer on the 
study remarks, has been a mply proven by the hands ofthose who 
have led a life of crime, particularly where they have been murder- 
ous in their instincts." 

But there are various causes which lead to the tak- 
ing of life and the man who commits crime for the sake 
of crime will have a far different hand to the man who, in a 
fit of rage kills his enemy. In the latter case the tendency 
to murder will not be found in the hand save in some warning 
sign that the violence of the temper, if uncontrolled, must inev- 
itably cause trouble, just as a rushing torrent if unstemmed 
sweeps everything from its course — causing death and de- 
struction. 

The strongest plea that can be made in favor of the study 
of the science of palmistry, is that by its disclosures we are made 
aware of the dangers which threaten us in order that we may avert 
them. 



CHAPTER IV. 
The Line of Heart- 
To the line of heart we look not only for those signs which 
tell us of the quality and quantity of the subject's affection, but 
also for the condition of the health as shown by the circulation 
of the blood. 

The position of the heart line on a normal hand is rising 
either from the mount of Jupiter, or between the mounts of 
Jupiter and Saturn and sweeping in a slight curve across 
the palm to the side of the percussion under the mount of 
Mercury. 

When the line rises from the mount of Jupiter, it shows the 
highest type of love, strength, ideality and constancy in affec- 
tion. It also exacts much from those loved, demanding perfec- 
tion. 

When the line rises far up on the mount, even to the root 
of the finger of Jupiter, it denotes the excess of the foregoing 
characteristics — intensity of feeling and jealousy. 

When the line rises between the mounts of Jupiter and 
Saturn, it shows a deep, quiet and lasting affection without the 
intensity and jealousy of the preceeding type. 

When the line rises low down in the hand, under the 
mount of Saturn, it indicates a low T er type of love. The per- 
son will be selfish and more animal in his love. The line 
rising high upon Saturn, sometimes to the base of the fingers, 

97 



98 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

shows the excess of the foregoing characteristics culminating in 
gross sensuality. 

A deep red line of heart indicates violent passion. 

When pale and broa I it indicates, first of all, improper 
blood circulation. 

When the line is chained and rising from under Saturn- — a 
cold-hearted indifferent nature. (Plate 16, Fig. 1.) 

When the heart line is broken it signifies great disappoint- 
ment through the affections. The mount under which it is 
broken tells what brought about the trouble. Thus, if the line 
be broken under Saturn, fate was responsible for the affair. If 
under Apollo, it occurred through caprice. If under Mercury, 
through financial considerations. (Plate 1(3, Fig, 2.) 

This broken condition of the heart line would naturally 
be found only where the broken attachment had seriously 
affected the health. 

Excess of affection is indicated by a heart line lying- 
straight across the hand from side to side. This formation 
without a good line of mentality to balance it, will almost in- 
evitably lead the subject into folly through excess of feeling. 
(Plate 16, Fig. 3.) 

When the heart line lies down close to the head line, the 
heart will rule the head. 

When however, the heart line is in the normal position 
high on the hand and the head line lies close up to it, the head 
will rule the heart. 

Lines rising from the line of head to the heart line denote 
affections which have influencel the subject more or less. 

A short thin line of heart shows an absence of deep affec- 
tion as well as a lack of vitality. If the heart line be almost 
absent, and the line of mentality be long and straight, it shows 
an utter lack of affection and sympathy. (Plate 10, Fig. 4.) 

When the heart line rises abruptly without branches, 







"F^v 



Plate 16 - Heart Lines. 



The Line of Heart. 101 

under Saturn, it presages sudden death, confirmation of which 
must be looked for on the lines of fate and life. 

When the lines of heart, life and mentality are joined 
together under the mount of Saturn, it is a most unfortunate 
sign, and if found in both hands, can be relied upon to mean a 
fatality, usually through an affair of the heart. 



CHAPTER V. 
The Line of Tate. 

To the line of fate or destiny-, as it is sometimes called, we 
look for evidences of the "ups and downs" of life; for acci- 
dents, obstacles, troubles, success, changes of circumstance, 
environment etc. I do not hold as do other students of the 
science that the absence of a fate line precludes the probability 
of material success. Neither does its presence insure it. 
Whether or not there be a "destiny which shapes our ends 
rough-hew then how we will," has long been a subject for 
dispute. 

Personally, I have a theory which observation has con- 
vinced me is at least possible. It is this: Some persons shape 
their own fate, others are the children of destiny. This is sub- 
stantiated by the fact that in the study of the science of palm- 
istry 1 have found that a distinct fate line does not always mean 
success, not at least, as the world considers success. I have 
further noticed that' persons whose line of fate is strongly 
marked, admit their inability to order their lives in accordance 
with their plans. They are victims or victors of the unex- 
pected. Struggle and plan as they will in a given direction, 
some unforeseen force alters the life's course and sends it irresist- 
ibly in another direction. 

Naturally the question arises, "why should some individ- 
uals have the ordering of their own lives, while others are at 
the mercy of a power we call fate?" 

To me, absolutely convinced of the principle of re-incarna- 

102 



The Line of Fate. 103 

tion, the answer is logical enough. The ego T previous to 
re-birth recognizes that which is needed for spiritual growth 
and chooses its own environment. 

The object of earth life must be the growth of the soul; 
the development of the consciousness that we are each and all 
a part of the Great Whole. This knowledge can be gained 
only through experience. The perfection of character does not 
mean the walling ourselves about with so-called virtue and 
abhorrence of error. Of what benefit to the world is goodness 
if it does not help? And how can we help when we can not 
sympathize or understand? And how can we understand if we 
have never felt? If we cannot realize the motives which 
prompt to sin, what right have we to pronounce against the 
sinner? 

Back of and governing material forces there must be a 
spiritual law. The object of this law must be the attainment 
of the highest good, which embra3es infinite wisdom and in- 
finite love — -the attributes of God. 

Application of this theory to the facts of palmistry there- 
fore, would indicate that the fate line, instead of promising 
worldly success, simply proves the spiritual growth — the indi- 
viduality of the subject, while the line of the Sun (Apollo) 
shows the direction of that individuality. 

It is a peculiar fact that people with a distinct line of 
fate are always impressionable and intuitive. Their spiritual 
perception is more acute, and however materialistic and practi- 
cal their environment, there will be times when they will be 
conscious of their spiritual entity. They will tell you that 
they are "lucky" or "unlucky" as the case may be. The pri- 
mitive hand never shows a fate line and yet I have seen hands 
closely bordering on the primitive type in possession of a great 
deal of wealth. From my point of view, since the object of 
earth life must be progression, the presence of a distinct line 



101 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

of fate does mean success, as it proves the individual's attain- 
ment to a certain plane of development. 

Just what environment we have chosen, can be very accur- 
ately seen by an examination of the line of fate. 

The line of fate usually rises either from the wrist, the 
plain of Mars, or from the mount of Luna, although it may 
rise from the line of life, the line of heart, or the line of men- 
tality. 

Rising from the wrist and ascending in a straight, un- 
broken line to the mount of Saturn, it foreshadows a smooth 
and happy life. (Plate 17, Fig. 1.) 

Rising from the mount of Luna, the life will be influenced 
by imagination and caprice. This position of the fate line is 
frequently fonnd on the hands of those who are constantly be- 
fore the public — actors, orators, politicians, etc. 

Rising from the line of life, energy and personal effort 
will be a factor in life. 

Rising from the line of mentality, it shows that the sub- 
ject must struggle through early life, learning the lessons of 
perseverance, and reaping the reward of steady application and 
good judgment. 

Rising from the line of heart, it indicates that through 
generosity, kindness of heart and good deeds, the subject may 
hope for his success. 

When the line of fate is joined by a ray line from the 
mount of Luna, it shows the person to be under the guidance 
of spiritual power — the invisible influence which is erroneously 
styled "luck." 

When the line of fate is uneven, chained or formed in a 
series of crosses at the commencement, it shows unhappiness in 
early life, early ambitions thwarted; a youth spent in subjuga- 
tion to the will of others. (Plate 17, Fig. 2.) 

When the fate line ascends to the mount of Jupiter, it 







Plate 17— Lines of Fate. 



■ftyV* 



The Line of Fate. 107 

denotes the person's acquisition of power and influence; the 
ability as well as the desire to rule. 

When the line of fate sends an off- shoot or branch toward 
Jupiter it shows a rise in life at that age — an increase of influ- 
ence and power. 

When the line of fate is long but broken, crossed and 
irregular, it shows an eventful life, full of changes, of good 
and bad fortune. 

When the fate line ascends in a straight line to the mount 
of Mercury, it denotes success in business. 

When the fate line ascends straight to the mount of 
Apollo, it denotes success in art, music or literature according 
to the type of hand. 

A double line of fate promises a public career. 

The natural termination of the fate line is on the mount 
of Saturn. Therefore when this line directs its course to any 
of the other mounts, it indicates that the efforts of the subject 
will be governed by the qualities of whatever mount it 
seeks. Thus if directed toward Jupiter, pride, ambition and 
desire for power will rule the life; if toward the Sun (Apollo,) 
desire for fame and an artistic career; toward Mercury, com- 
merce or science will claim the attention. 

Complete breaks in the line of fate show troubles and 
losses. If the ends of the broken line overlap and the line 
continues in its course, it shows that the troubles will be 
overcome. (Plate 17, Fig. 3.) 

Crosses on the line of fate show the changes in the life, 
environment, business, etc. 

An island on tue fate line is a sign of misfortune. (Plate 
17, Fig. 4.) 

A^square on the line of fate shows protection from adver- 
sity, accident, etc. 



108 McIyor-Tyndall's .Revelations o* the Hand. 

Absence of a fate line by no means indicates an insignifi- 
cant or obscure life. Hands in which there is no line of fate, 
simply belong to people who are materialistic and practical with 
little or no faculty of intuition. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Line of Apollo, or Sun- 

The line of the Sun, Apollo, or Fortune, as it is variously 
termed, is the line rising in the lower half of the hand and 
running parallel to the line of fate — ending on the mount of 
Apollo. (Plate 13, the seven principal lines.) 

Like the line of fate, it may rise from the life line, the 
mount of Luna, the plain of Mars, the line of mentality, or 
the line of heart. 

It represents love of art and beauty, fame, wealth, talents 
and success, according to the type of hand. 

A clear, well-formed line of Apollo on the spatulate hand 
promises wealth and distinction through the talents, while on 
the psychic and conic types, it may be only a love of art, a 
desire for fame, unless the other signs on the hand are most 
favorable. 

When the line ends on the mount of the Sun (Apollo), in 
several little parallel lines, it shows diversity of talent, but 
success seldom attends any of them. 

A good line of the Sun with a dominant mount of Jupiter 
indicates the favor of persons of distinction and influence. 

When the line of the Sun rises from the Jife line, it shows 
a life governed by a love of the artistic and the beautiful. If 
the other signs in the hand are favorable, it means success in a 
chosen career. 

Rising from a good line of fate, it enhances the success 

109 



110 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

promised by the fate line, and indicates fame, distinction, or 
wealth according to the desires. 

Rising from the plain of Mars, it denotes success won 
after a hard struggle. 

Rising from the line of mentality, it shows success won 
through brain power and judgment. (Plate 18, Fig 2.) 

Rising from the line of heart, it denotes love of art and 
beauty, and a fair degree of success late in life. 

When the line of the Sim forms three branches which ascend 
in three deep lines to the mount of Apollo, it denotes wealth, 
talent and fame. (Plate 13, Fig. 1.) 

A branch from the mount of Lima joining the line of the 
Sim, shows success won through some attribute of that mount 
— imagination, literary talent, or histrionic ability, according to 
the type of hand. (Plate 18, Fig. 3.) 

A person with a good line of the Sun, even though never 
cultivating art, will possess artistic talent. On a practical 
hand this talent may show itself in originality and taste in 
matters of dress, house decoration, millinery etc. 

The absence of a line of the Sun in both hands, on the artistic 
or the literary type of hand, shows ability and talent without 
success. 

A broken line of Sun, denotes obstacles in the way of 
success. (Plate 18, Fig. 4.) 

A chained line of Sun, shows lack of continuity of purpose. 







Plate 18— Lines of Apollo . 



CHAPTER VII- 
The Line of Health, or Liver- 
Tins line is also called the Hepatica, and is often accom- 
panied by a sister line, called the Via Lascivia. Most writers 
on the science of palmistry name the lower part of the 
hand, either the rascette or the life line, as the starting point 
of the health line, and the mount of Mercury as its termina- 
tion. (Plate 12, Map of the Hand.) 

Cheiro, the most eminent of the American exponents of this 
science, places the beginning of the line of health on the face 
of the mount of Mercury, taking its course down the hand. 
This theory I am convinced is the correct one. The logic of 
this theory is not hard to find. It has been clearly demon- 
strated that the life line shows the natural duration of the life; 
death from accident is marked on the life line, by a break or 
cut at the point of life at which it occurs. It therefore follows 
that the point at which the life line is cut by the line of health, 
marks the climax of whatever disease is indicated by the health 
line, the beginning of which is noticed farther up on the palm. 
So also, it logically follows that the absence of this line is a 
favorable indication, promising continued good health and 
vitality. 

A straight, clear line of health going straight down the 
hand without touching the line of life, promises a long life and 
a good digestion. A rather weak line of life will be strength- 
ened by a health line of this character. 

When the health line is uneven and broken it indicates. 

113 



114 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

• 
poor digestion which may lead to bad circulation, anaemia, and 

weak lungs. This formation is usually accompanied by a 
chained heart-line. 

When the health line is very red in color, especially at the 
line of heart, it indicates a tendency to heart disease. 

When very red and broken, it shows a nature much given 
to fits of anger, brutality and excesses. 

When the line of health is absent from the hand, save where, it 
joins the lines of heart and mentality, it indicates brain fever. 

When formed with small red spots, it shows a feverish 
condition of the physical system. 

When the health line is broken and very red where it 
crosses the line of mentality, it indicates a tendency to apoplexy. 

When the health line is accompanied (not too close) by the 
sister line, the Yia Lascivia — -which should terminate at the 
wrist — -it gives force and strength to the vital energies. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
The Girdle of Venus- 

This line must not be confounded with the ring of Saturn, 
although some writers erroneously make no distinction between 
the two. 

The girdle of Venus rises between the mounts of Jupiter 
and Saturn, thus forming a circle between the fingers of Apollo 
and Mercury, enclosing the mounts of Apollo (the Sun) and 
Saturn. (Plate 13, the Seven Principal Lines.) 

I have invariably found the girdle upon the hands of 
people possessing the most refined, artistic and gifted natures, 
and I am at a loss to account for the disfavor with which it has 
been regarded by writers on the science. 

When extending in a clear unbroken circle it denotes a 
highly emotional, impressionable temperament — extremely 
nervous and excitable. 

It is logical to suppose then, that these characteristics 
added to an otherwise bad hand, would be unfavorable. This 
may have given rise to the almost universally accepted idea 
among cheiromants that the girdle of Venus is a bad indica- 
tion. However in my varied observations, I have never found 
the sign upon a bad hand. And although I do not maintain 
that it is never to be found on a bad hand, I unhesitatingly place 
it among the most favorable indications of character to be 
found in the palm. 

I remember that during my first visit to America, I met a 

115 



116 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

certain famous pianist whose inspirational playing was the 
wonder and delight of his audiences. I found that he had 
become much interested in the study of palmistry and that he 
had purchased several works on the science, all of which 
united in regarding the girdle of Yenus in a most unfavorable 
light. As his own hand was marked with a clear unbroken circle, 
he was quite unable to account for what, in his case at least, he 
knew to be an inaccuracy. It was with evident reluctance that 
he showed me his palms. I reassured him, and expressed my 
satisfaction that my own palms bear the same sign of intuition, 
inspiration and aptitude for mysticism. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Via Lascivia, the Line of A\ars and the Line of In- 
tuition. 

The Via, Lascivia is a line running parallel to the line of 
health. (Plate 12, Map of the Hand.) 

It bears the same relation to the line of health that the line 
of Mars does to the life line. When the line of health shows 
weakness, it is strengthened by the presence of the Via Las- 
civia. 

When however, the health line indicates robust vitality, 
the presence of a strong Yia Lascivia denotes excess of passion, 
strong appetites and a tendency toward dissipation. 

The Line of A\ars- 

The line of Mars is a clearly denned line, rising on the 
first mount of Mars, and running; close to and inside the line 
of life. (Plate 12, Map of the Hand.) 

The office of the line of Mars is to strengthen and give 
energy to the life line. On the square and primitive hands, if 
the life line is strong, the presence of the line of Mars shows 
an aggressive, quarrelsome spirit. If the mount of Luna be 
also well developed, it shows lawlessness, intemperance and a 
disposition to engage in wild adventure. 

The line of Mars on the psychic and the philosophic hand has 
a far different meaning, as the life line on these types is never 
as strong as on the preceeding types. When found beside a weak 

117 



118 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

life line therefore, the line of Mars strengthens and repairs the 
life line. It shows the power to fight disease, and the dispo- 
sition to bear uncomplainingly the "ills we have." Such a 
person will endure through sheer nerve force and will, pain and 
ill-health which would kill another. 

Thus a bad break in a life line which is strengthened by a 
line of Mars, does not foreshadow death as in the case of a life 
line not thus reinforced. 

The Line of Intuition. 

Some writers on the science of palmistry, make no note of 
this line. I consider it very important, as the faculty of intu- 
ition is to some persons what the power of analysis and deduct- 
ion is to others. It might be called unconscious reasoning. 

This gift of perception in its highest development is found 
on the psychic type of hand. It may also be found on the 
philosophic and the conic types. 

The position of this line is rising on the mount of Mercury 
and descending in a semi-circle to the mount of Luna. It is 
also called by some writers the line of Luna. (Plate 12, Map 
of the Hand.) 

It indicates a delicately poised temperament — impression- 
able and sensitive. In conjunction with the "mystic cross" in 
the quadrangle, it denotes the power of divination — clairvoy- 
ance. 

Where the psychic, philosophic or conic hand has a very 
full percussion I find the faculty of intuition pronounced, even 
though the line of intuition be absent. 



CHAPTER X. 
The Line of AAarriage; Children. 

The lines directly relating to marriage are those trans- 
verse lines to be found on the mount of Mercury, above the 
heart line. (Plate 12, Map of the Hand.) 

These lines relate to affairs' of the heart which have en- 
dured for some time or which have greatly affected the life. 
Nature does not recognize the marriage ceremony, and in cases 
where the marriage relationship has been sustained for any 
length of time the markings will be the same as in the case of 
a legal union. 

The rule to follow in determining the marriage lines is to 
regard the deep long lines as relating to marriage. 

The short lines relate to affairs of the heart, or contem- 
plated marriage. A marriage lasting any length of time will 
be found corroborated by influence lines near the lines of 
life and fate. Where the marriage involves change of position 
and environment, it is easily traced. 

The date of marriage or marriages, can be very accurately 
determined from the marriage line alone, although the life and 
fate lines should always be looked to, for the exact year. 

When the marriage line is very close to the heart line, the 
marriage will be early in life — before the age of twenty. 

When about half way up the mount, the marriage will take 
place about the age of twenty-five, and when near the base of 
the little finger, the alliance will occur after middle age. 

Thus by a little observation of the position of these lines 

119 



120 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

in comparison with the length of the life line, a very accurate 
estimate may be made of the age at which engagements or 
marriages occur. 

When the line of marriage droops toward the heart line, 
it is a sure sign of widowhood. (Plate 19, Fig. 1.) * 

A clear well-formed marriage line, without breaks or 
crosses, is an indication of a happy and contented union. 

When the marriage line ends abruptly in a cross, it de^ 
notes the sudden termination of the marriage bond — -usually by 
accidental death to the person's wife or husband. (Plate 19, 
Fig. 4.) 

When the line droops gradually, with fine lines falling from 
it, it signifies illness and the gradual decline of life, of trie per- 
son's wife or husband. 

An island on the marriage line denotes serious trouble in 
the married life, for the time it endures. (Plate 19, Fig. 2.) 

When the line is abruptly broken, it denotes separation — 
usually divorce. 

A drooping marriage line, ending in two branches, one of 
which inclines toward the center of the hand, is an indication 
of trouble and separation. 

A short fine line rising from the marriage line, and con- 
tinuing beside it, shows an estrangement, a drifting apart, a 
lack of harmony in the married life, although no separation 
takes place. 

A line from the marriage line to the mount of Apollo, de- 
notes marriage with a person of distinction. This is all the 
more pronounced if the line of Apollo (the Sun) end in a star. 
(Plate 19, Fig. 3.) 

So the opposite, a misalliance is shown by the line of mar- 
riage cutting the line of Apollo. 

In a certain case which came under my observation., inhere 
a marriage ceremony' was performed, the man refused to con- 







Plate 19— Marriage Lines. 



The Line of Marriage; Children. 123 

tinue the marriage relation. The girl's health was seriously 
undermined through grief over the trouble and I was not sur- 
prised to see a short marriage line formed in a heavy cross. 

Children. 

The perpendicular lines under the finger of Mercury, at 
the end of the marriage line, are the lines relating to children . 
The deeper lines are the male and the finer lines the female 
children. 

The weak or chained lines show delicate children while a 
deep line suddenly broken or ending in a cross, shows the death 
of a child. 

A line formed in an island shows great misfortune — some- 
times disgrace — through a child. 1 observed this formation on 
one occasion in the hand of a woman whose only son was de- 
formed. 

Some hands show these lines very distinctly, while in other 
hands they are scarcely discernible. This I think is due to 
whether the person feels the responsibility of children, or not. 
The lines are naturally more distinct in the hands of mother^ 
than of fathers. 



CHAPTER XI. 
The Rascette and Minor Lines. 

The rascette is the name given to the three lines drawn at the 
"base of the hand forming what is sometimes called the three 
bracelets. (Plate 12, Map of the Hand.) 

When the three lines are found clearly marked, it forms 
what is called the "magic bracelet," said by the gypsies to mean 
health, wealth and happiness. 

Personally, I have found it relating to health alone, as in a 
hand showing robust health, the rascette will be found more 
clearly marked than in the weak constitution. The same rules 
that apply to the other lines are also applicable to these. Thus, 
a chained or wavy rascette, shows weak heart action, the same 
as in the lines of life and heart. 

The Ring of Solomon. 

This is the name given to the circle enclosing the mount 

of Jupiter and is not commonly found on the palm. (Plate 
12, Map of the Hand.) 

It denotes the qualities implied by the name given to it — ■ 
natural wisdom, intuitive knowledge. 

I have always found that hands showing this line, belong 

to people who speculate a great deal on the mysteries of life. 
Thev are much interested in occult subjects. 



The Ring of Saturn, 
a c 
124 



The ring of Saturn is a circle enclosing the mount of 



The Rascette and Minor Lines. 125 

Saturn. It is sometimes confounded with the girdle of Venus. 
When unbroken,, it indicates a life of hard work and thwarted 
ambitions. 

When broken, and in a well-balanced hand, it shows that suc- 
cess maybe won, but only after a severe struggle with adversity. 



CHAPTER XII. 
Lines of Influence and Travel Lines. 

A little care will readily enable the student to avoid con- 
founding these ray lines with the line of Mars, or with the 
fine lines which rise and droop from the line of life. 

Lines of influence on the mount of Venus, inside the life 
line, are shorter than the line of Mars. They rise and end 
somewhat abruptly. 

When the influence line is clear and runs parallel to the 
line of life, it denotes a favorable influence over the life. 
(Plate 20, Line a.) 

Lines rising on the mount of Venus and cutting the life 
line, show obstacles and worries. 

When these lines cross the life line only, they indicate 
domestic troubles. (Plate 20, Line b.) 

When they cross the life line to the line of mentality, they 
show an influence over our ideas and judgment. (Plate 20, 
Line c.) 

When they cross the line of fate, they denote interference 
in our success and worldly interests. 

When they cut the line of heart, they show persons who 
will influence our affections. 

When a line crosses the line of life and just reaches the 
line of mentality, it denotes mental tiouble. If the line of 
mentality be also chained or dotted, it denotes brain trouble. 

A line rising on the mount of Venus, touching the line of 
life, indicates marriage at that age. 

126 




Plate 20— Lines of Influence 



Lines of Influence and Travel Lines. 129 

A line cutting the line of life and reaching across ^o the 
line of marriage, signifies divorce. (Plate 20, Line d.) 

From these observations, it is logical to suppose that a 
hand showing many lines of influence, betrays an impression- 
able nature, a person dependent upon others in matters of 
affection or business, according as the lines show. 



Lines of Travel. 

Lines of travel are those horizontal lines found on the 
mount of Luna and the perpendicular lines from the rascette 
to the mount of Luna. (Plate 21.) 

These latter relate to the longer and more important jour- 
neys, and will be corroborated by changes on the lines of life 
and fate. 

Should such a line cross the hand to Jupiter, it indicates 
great gain in power and influence in connection with a journey. 
(Plate 21, Line a— a.) 

If it goes to Saturn, it signifies some fatality. (Plate 21, 
Line b — b.) 

If to Apollo, celebrity. 

If to Mercury, unexpected wealth. (Plate 21, Line c — c.) 

The short horizontal lines on Luna, relate to short and less 
important journeys. 

When these lines cross each other, it shows repeated jour- 
neys. 

Should a travel line cross the hand to the line of mentality, 
and end in a cross or break, it indicates some injury affecting 
the head through the journey. (Plate 21, Line d.) 

Travel lines slanting upward, show successful journeys, 
those curving downward, denote disappointments. 

The cross on a travel line presages misfortune; the square 



130 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

on a line of travel indicates preservation from threatened dan- 
ger. . (Plate 21, Line e.) 

An important fact to be remembered is that lines appear 
and disappear in a short time. Their appearance indicates a 
tendency in certain directions, and their disappearance proves 
that the tendency has been changed. 




Plate 21— Lines of Travel. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
Character of the Lines. 

Well formed lines are neither pale nor broad, chained nor 
wavy. 

They are clear, fairly deep and evenly formed. 

Lines pale and broad indicate weak vitality, and wasted 
nerve -force. 

Lines red in color, show robust health, energy and 
activity. 

Tasseled lines show weakness and a breaking up of the 
qualities indicated by the line. 

Wavy and chained lines show hesitation, indecision and 
lack of concentration. 

Breaks in the lines are danger signals. 

A forked line, excepting the line of life, gives increased 
power to the line. 

A forked line of mentality, gives increased brain power, 
often uniting the literary or artistic temperament, with practi- 
cal ability. 

A sister line running along by the side of any of the main 
lines, strengthens the character of the line, and denotes pro- 
tection. Thus, if a break be found in the fate line, a sister line 
protects the break and the threatened misfortune is averted 
or at least lessened. 

It is always well to look for more than one indication of 
evil or disaster before deciding so important a point. 

133 



134 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

Worry Lines. 

On the hands of highly nervous, worrying natures will be 
found numerous little fine lines running in all directions. 
These lines have no other significance than that they betray a 
worrying, nervous temperament. 



! 

N 

! 



O 






2} 



N 

N 



31 
o 
6a 





K 

I 



/ 



/ 






/ 



\ 



i 

0> 



o 






2 



* 



CHAPTER XIV- 
Signs round on the Palm. 

The marks to be found in the palm of the hand are the 
cross, the square, the grille, the island, the triangle, the star, the 
circle, the half circle, the dot. (Plate 23.) 

In addition to these, the signs of the different planets are 
sometimes found, although rarely. 

The signs have a different meaning, according to the por- 
tion of the hand on which they are found. 

The Star. 

The star is a mark of distinction. Whether for good or 
evil, depends upon the other points of the hand and the position 
of the star. 

The star on the mount of Jupiter promises honors, gratified 
ambition, power and distinction. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — a.) 

On a woman's hand this sign is often found joined to a 
cross, indicating the acquisition of these things through a happy 
marriage. 

A star on Saturn denotes an unenviable distinction — some 
disgrace or fatality. Some writers regard this as denoting par- 
alysis. I have never seen it verified. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — b.) 

A star on the mount of Apollo, promises wealth without 
happiness. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — c.) 

When found at the end of the line of the Sun (Apollo), how- 

137 



138 McIvor-Tynd all's Revelations of the Hand. 

ever, it promises celebrity and social distinction, as the result of 
ability and talent. (Plate 24, Fig 1 — d.) 

A star on Mercury promises success in literature, science, 
business or political life, or through dishonesty, scheming, etc., 
according to the character of the hand. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — e.) 

A star on the mount of Mars, (under Mercury,) denotes the 
attainment of success through patient endurance, fortitude and 
self-control. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — f.) 

A star on the mount of Mars, (under Jupiter,) denotes mili- 
tary honors and distinction. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — g.) 

. A star on the mount of Luna, denotes distinction through 
the faculties of that mount. It may be poetry, art, imaginative 
literature, or again it may be insanity or suicide, according to the 
other signs in the hand. (Plate 24, Fig. i--h.) 

The star on Venus, denotes distinction in affairs of the heart. 
To the person possessing this sign will come no sorrow through 
unrequited affection. (Plate 24, Fig. 1 — i.) 



The Square. 

The square is a sign of protection and preservation from 
danger and evil. It is also indicative of calmness and presence 
of mind. 

The square on the line of life shows preservation from death 
at the age at which it appears. (Plate 24, Fig. 2 — a.) 

The square on the line of fate shows preservation from social 
or financial ruin. (Plate 24, Fig. 2 — a.) 

The square on the line of mentality shows preservation from 
disaster to the mind, either through accident or mental strain. 
(Plate 24, Fig. 2 — c.) 

The square on the heart line shows preservation from sorrow 
through the affections. (Plate 24, Fig. 2 — c. 

The square on themount of Venus marks preservation from 
evil through the passions. (Plate 24, Fig. 2 — e. 






?fc 



ccr 






1 g 







rKX 






40 



1 















Signs Found on the Palm. 141 

The square on any mount denotes protection from the dan- 
gers and excesses of that mount. 

The square on Saturn denotes preservation from the dan- 
gers of that mount or from some fatality. (Plate 24, Fig. 2 — f.) 



The Cross. 

The cross indicates obstacles or changes, except when found 
on the mount of Jupiter, when it is one of the signs of a happy 
marriage. (Plate 24, Fig. 3 — a.) 

On Saturn, unfavorable influences; often it threatens sudden 
or accidental death. This can always be verified by other signs. 
(Plate 24, Fig. 3— b.) 

On the mount of Apollo it indicates disappointment in the 
pursuit of fame or success. (Plate 24, Fig. 3 — c.) 

The cross on Mercury denotes failure in business enter- 
prises. It is considered by some to be the mark of a dishonest 
person. I find the former interpretation the correct one. (Plate 
24, Fig. 3— a,) 

The cross on the mount of Mars (under Jupiter) indicates 
danger of death on the battle-field or in a quarrel, according to 
the type of hand on which it is found. (Plate 24, Fig. 3— f.) 

On Mars (under Mercury) it tells of constant opposition 
and struggle against adverse circumstances. The person with 
such a mark must always fight hard in the battle of life. (Plate 
24.Fig.3- g.) 

The cross on Venus indicates a great disappointment in 
love. 

Crosses on the line of fate show changes in the life or losses. 
Which of the two can be determined by the lines of life and 
Apollo. (Plate 24, Fig. 3 — i.) 

The cross above the line of heart shows the death of some 
loved one. 

The cross in the quadrangle, between the lines of heart 



142 McIvok-Tyndall's Kevelations o* the Hand. 

and mentality, is called the "mystic cross," and signifies a lean- 
ing toward mysticism. 

The Island. 

The island is a sign of misfortune either in health, financial 
affairs, affection or reputation, according to its location. 

An island on the line of life indicates a severe illness. 
(Plate 24, Fig. 4 — a.) 

An island on the line of heart — weakness of the heart; un- 
happy attachment. (Plate 24, Fig. 4 — a.) 

An island on the line of mentality, if long and distinct — con- 
stitutional mental weakness. If small and the line of mentality 
otherwise good, it denotes brain fever, nervous prostration, or 
some severe mental strain. (Plate 24, Fig. 4 — c.) 

On the line of fate, the island shows financial loss, or tem- 
porary obscurity. (Plate 24, Fig. 4 — d.) 

On the line of Apollo, the island shows loss of social posi- 
tion. (Plate 24, Fig. 4 — e.) 

On the line of health, the island shows severe illness; great 
loss of vitality for the time it lasts. (Plate 24, Fig. 4 — f. 

I have also found it in cases of financial failure, where the 
health had been impaired by the worry incident to it. 

An island formed on any of the mounts shows misfortune 
or weakness through the qualities of that mount. Thus, an 
island on a full mount of Jupiter indicates weakness brought on 
by excessive ambition — over-work. 

The island on a weak mount of Jupiter, with a poor line 
of mentality and a generally weak hand, indicates misfortune 
and obscurity through lack of ambition and pride. (Plate 24, 
Fig. 4-) 

The Circle and the Crescent. 

The circle or the crescent on a good mount and a good hand 
is a favorable sign. 

On any of the important lines, it denotes misfortune. When 




jfrw$fer. 




vfy 



4L P<£4AQ>.{Z— t 




Plate 24- The Star. The Square. The Cross. The Island 



At-TUfsJU^. 



Signs Found on the Palm. 145 

it unites the lines of fate, mentality and Apollo, (success) it signi- 
fies trouble and anxiety through an error in judgment — a false 
step which spoils the life. The circle on the line of mentality, 
is said by some cheiromants to indicate loss of eyesight. Per- 
sonally I have never been able to verify this. (Plate 25, Fig. 1.) 

The Dot. 

The dot is an indication of a shock to the nervous 
system. 

If red it shows a tendency to heart failure, when found on 
the heart line. 

When on the head line it indicates a mental shock. 

When found on the line of life it indicates a nervous ill- 
ness. 

A red dot on the line of health, indicates a fever. 

A black dot on the line of marriage, is an indication of 
domestic grief. (Plate 25, Fig. 2.) 

The Grille. 

[ do not regard the grille as a very important sign. It 
chiefly denotes activity, and as it is generally found upon the 
mounts, it simply denotes activity in the qualities of the mount 
on which it is found. Thus the grille on a flat mount is a favor- 
able indication, while on a full mount it exaggerates the qualities 
of the mount. 

The grille on a well developed mount of Jupiter, for in- 
stance, will result in too much pride or ambition. The desire for 
power is never satisfied. 

On a full mount of Saturn it will result in restlessness, pes- 
simism, worry. The person will be too serious and thoughtful 
— even melar- 1 -- 1 

On a we Apollo it shows a constant longing for 



146 McIvor -Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

wealth, position, fame, art or pleasure, according as the hand is 
strong or weak. 

On a much developed mount of Mercury it shows a deceit- 
ful, avaricious, dishonest nature. 

On Luna the grille indicates a romantic, dissatisfied tem- 
perament, imaginative to a degree. It produces that condition 
which Ella Wheeler Wilcox so aptly describes as "A homesick 
longing of the soul which can not find its satisfaction here." 
(Plate 25, Fig. 3.) 

The Triangle. 

The triangle is the insignia of science wherever found. 

When found on Jupiter it denotes ability and science in the 
management of affairs, people and government. It should be 
found on the hand of diplomats. 

On Saturn it denotes ability and science in the study of pro- 
found subjects, in the reading of character and in scientific 
investigation. 

On the line of Apollo it shows method, diplomacy and sci- 
ence, in the pursuit of fame. 

On the mount of Mercury the triangle shows the shrewd 
business man or the clever politician who uses method and sci- 
ence in gaining his end. 

On Luna the triangle unites science with imagination and 
intuition. Such people will have an instinctive knowledge of the 
laws of life; the faculty of seeing below the surface of 
things. 

On Venus the triangle shows calmness and self-restraint in 
matters of affection. A person possessing this sign will use 
science in winning the affections of those whom he desires. 

On Mars (under Jupiter) the triangle gives the ability of a 
general in planning and management. This sign on the hand 
of a general shows a man who will conduct a scientific warfare 

On Mars, under Mercury, it denotes calmness, presence of 





Plate 25— The Circle. The Dot. The Gt tile. 7 he Triangle. 




Signs Found on the Palm. 149 

mind and strategy. I have found this sign on the lines of life, 
health, mentality or fate to signify a surgical operation. This 
is an observation which I have never seen recorded else- 
where, but one which I have had an opportunity of verifying 
many times. (Plate 25, Fig. 4.) 



CHAPTER XV- 
The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle. 

The great triangle is the space formed by the lines of life, 
mentality and health, and encloses the plain of Mars. 

This space includes the upper, lower and middle angles. 

When this space is broad and well formed it shows quick 
intelligence, breadth of mind, self-reliance and tolerance lor 
the opinions of others. (Plate 26, Fig. 1.) 

When very narrow it denotes extreme diffidence and self 
consciousness, or meanness, cowardice and want of intellect, ac- 
cording to the type of hand. Persons with a narrow triangle 
will never assert themselves either actively or mentally, although 
they may succeed in life through their very lack of independence 
and liberality. Their attitude of acquiescence may win them 
friends. (Plate 26, Fig. 2.) 

When the space enclosed in this triangle is well colored and 
unlined it shows a calm, contented nature and a smooth, even 
existence. 

When the space is much lined and crossed it shows worry, 
irritability and a changeful, unsettled life. 

The Quadrangle. 

The quadrangle is the space between the lines of heart and 
mentality. Its best formation is wide at both ends and not nar- 

150 







Plate 26— The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle. 



The Great Triangle and the Quadrangle. 153 

row at the center, showing the space clear and unlined, (Plate 
26, Fig. 3.) 

When thus formed it shows a well balanced mind, a brilliant 
intellect, generosity and great sympathy with humanity. Such 
a person will be at heart a socialist, although he may prefer some 
other name for his views. 

When the quadrangle narrows in the center, so that it pre- 
sents the appearance of an hour glass, it shows lack of sympa- 
thy and understanding. The person will be narrow-minded, 
prejudiced and bigoted. (Plate 26, Fig. 4.) 

Too much space in the quadrangle with a long and deep 
heart line indicates a want of discretion — reckless indifference to 
the opinion of the world. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
how to Reckon Time. System of Seven. 

The accurate settling of dates for past or future events is 
one of the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of the student 
of palmistry. Personally, I have never had any difficulty in 
correctly estimating the time of an event in the past and as far 
as I know in the future also. Only the approximate time can be 
relied upon. It is impossible to estimate the day or the week or 
even the month of an event. The year is the most that can be 
expected. There are no "lucky days" in Palmistry, although 
some persons claim to be able to tell one's "lucky days." This 
might be possible by astrological calculation, if the intricacies of 
the study were not lost, as the position of the planets undoubt- 
edly affect the earth and everything upon it. But there is cer- 
tainly no marK or sign upon the hand to designate one day as 
more fortunate than another. 

Since hand reading is an acquired science and not an innate 
gift, some scientific theory of reckoning dates must be learned. 

In this chapter are recorded both systems for the student's 
selection, although the system ©f seven recommends itself to my 
mind for the reason that, as medical science teaches, the entire 
system undergoes a change every seven years. 

In plates 27 and 28 will be found the systems of seven 
and ten respectively. 

If there is difficulty at first in determining the date of an 
event which is marked, practice soon brings proficiency. 

I would recommend the use of a piece of transparent isin- 

154 




Plate 27— System of Seven. 




Plate 28 — System of Ten. 



How to Reckon Time. System of Ten. 159 

glass shaped to the average sized hand, which will be found to 
measure about seven inches from the first line of the rascette to 
the tip of the finger of Saturn — and the same distance from the 
thumb to the finger of Mercury — when the hand is spread as in 
reaching an octave on the piano, 

On this transparency can be printed the figures dividing the 
lines of fate and life, as shown in the plates 27 and 28. Thus, 
by allowing for the difference in the size of the hand, the trans- 
parency time system placed in position over the hand may be of 
service. (Plate 27.) 

The System of Ten. 

One point of a pair of compasses resting in the middle of 
the root of the finger of Jupiter, the other extended to the mid- 
dle of the root of the finger of Apollo, then turned on to the life 
line, marks the period of ten years. The latter, lengthened by 
extension exactly between the fingers of Apollo and Mercury, 
marks the twentieth year. 

Extension to middle of root of finger of Mercury marks the 
thirtieth year. Extension to outside of finger of Mercury marks 
the age of forty. Another extension equal to latter marks the 
fiftieth year. The remaining periods of ten years each up to 
one hundred years are lessened by one-third the former. 
(Plate 28.) 



CHAPTER XVII. 
Abnormal Tendencies. 

How far is the individual responsible for his virtues or his 
crimes? 

A slight Variation in the shape of the face; the character 
of a nose; a scarcely perceptible deficiency in the breadth of a 
forehead; an added thickness in the lobe of the ear — and the 
line is drawn which marks the difference between the honest 
man and the criminal. 

Most modern students of criminology agree that crime is 
largely the result of physical discrepancies. Whether, or not 
this be true, certain it is that criminal instincts are discover- 
able through physical abnormalities. 

Especially is this evident in the shape and lines of the 
hand. 

Whether these physical signs be the cause or the effect of 
criminal tendencies, is a question for dispute. 

While I recognize the influence of heredity, I maintain 
that it is not a law. If it were a law it would be inviolable 
and I hold that everything is subject to the influence of thought 
— nay, is but a reflection of thought. 

To quote that woman of marvelous perception, Ella 
Wheeler Wilcox: 

Our thoughts are moulding unseen spheres, 

And with a blessin : or a curse, 
They thunder down the formless years 
And ring- throughout the universe. 

I claim, therefore, that if abnormal tendencies were recog- 

160 




Plate 29— Hand of Geo Kelly, a murderer. 



Abnormal Tendencies. 163 

nized in early life, systematic and judicious training could 
effectually overcome them. 

While the plea for a "higher education" is being so 
earnestly made, I desire to lift my voice in advocating a 
broader and a deeper education — an education that embraces 
some knowledge of self, not the mere text book memorizing 
process which is so generally mistaken for education. 

"The proper study of mankind is man" is a truism which 
is often quoted but seldom considered seriously. 

From earliest infancy children are put through such a 
memory-cramming that there is no room left in their brains 
for thought. They are taught much that is useless, much more 
that is made irrelevant by the manner of teaching — and absolutely 
nothing; of themselves. 

The average student leaves college without even the 
vaguest idea of what is meant by mental science. His own 
talents, capabilities and tendencies are an unknown quality, 
and should some one ask him for his individual opinion, he 
must delve kito the dark recesses of his memory and drag out 
some quotation from the dim past with which to answer his 



interrogator. 



The fact is, the only true education is that which teaches 
self knowledge, enabling us to foster and cultivate our talents 
and crush out the tendencies which lead to evil. 

The hand of George Kelly (plate 29) shows the type of the 
brutal murderer. Kelly was executed in Minneapolis, June 
1897, for the murder of his wife. The hand belongs to the 
Elementary type. The thumb is short and heavy, and the 
mount of Venus thick rather than wide, showing a violent 
nature. Lastly, there is almost no line of mentality. 

What training and environment might have done toward 
lessening these unfavorable traits it is impossible to say. It is 



161 McIvor-Tyndall's Revelations of the Hand. 

a demonstrable fact that it is impossible to find such a 
hand on an educated or refined person. 

The hand shown in (Plate 30) represents a type of the 
suicide. The suicide is not necessarily insane — -except as any 
abnormal condition of the mind is a species of insanity. 

This hand shows a naturally gloomy, despondent tempera- 
ment, with strong determination. Financial disaster, coupled 
with domestic troubles, proved too heavy a burden for a nature 
thus depressed and the man deliberately chose to end this life. 

The hands of L. C, C. E. and J. B. (Plate 31) represent 
the victims of a dreadful tragedy enacted at Tacoma, Wash., 
in 1898. The impressions were taken after death and the 
lines are therefore coarser than they otherwise would be. 

The facts of the tragedy are these: 

J. B. in a moment of insane jealousy shot and killed the 
woman, L. C. and the man, C. E. and then emptied the pistol 
into his own brain. 

The hands of the two victims are remarkable only for the 
very distinct way in which they show the manner of death. The. 
sudden termination of the life line with the line of mentality 
broken under Saturn, (hand of L. C.) are infallible signs of 
sudden and violent death. 

In the hand of C. E. the manner of death is no less dis- 
tinctly marked. The abrupt termination of the lines of men- 
tality and fate, with the bar across the life line and the lines of 
head and heart connected, indicate disaster and death through 
an affair of the heart. 

The hand of J. B. is one of the most extraordinary I have 
ever examined. The lines of life, heart and mentality are 
joined under Saturn; the mental line sloping far down on an 
exaggerated mount of Luna; the thick, full mount of Venus; 
the heart line lying straight across the palm and the stubborn 
will and absence of reason shown by the thumb, tell a story of 




Plate 30— A Suicide's Hand. 




Hand of J. B. Hand of C. E. 

Plate 31— Abnormal Tendencies. 



Abnormal Tendencies. 169 

unrestrained violence which could hardlj result otherwise than 
in insane jealousy. 

The hand of "Kid" Adams, (Plate 31) shows some fine 
characteristics despite the fact that he was shot while resisting 
arrest for stage robbing. 

The hand is of the conic type, the fingers showing impulse 
and a certain degree of refinement in tastes. There is nothing 
of the brutal or the gross in the type of hand and there is an 
unusual degree of ambition and determination. The heart line 
however is in excess and joined under Saturn to the lines of 
life, fate, and what little line of mentality there is. 

This mental line furnishes the key to the boy's tendency 
to crime. It is the mental line of the natural lunatic. It is 
short, thin and irregular. Indeed, it is scarcely discernible, 
while misdirected ambition, recklessness and impulse are pro- 
noun3ed. 

As these signs were written in but one hand, it is quite 
probable that the proper training and environment might have 
overcome them. 



SOME TYPICAL HANDS 



WITH 



SYNOPSIS OF THEIR MOST PROMINENT 
CHARACTERISTICS. 



Sir Charles Mibbert Tupper. 

The hand of Sir Charles Hibbert Tupper, the eminent 
lawyer and statesman, is an excellent type of the characteristics 
necessary to a leader of men. The hand shows magnetism, 
generosity, eloquence and wit. Itjis a combination of the square 
and the spatulate types, showing independence of thought and 
a frank, conscientious nature. Determination, prudence and 
excellent judgment go to make up a combination of qualities 
which can not fail to win success. 




Plate 32— Hand of Sir Charles Hibbert Tupper, R.C. M. G. 



Dr. Alexander Aclvor-Tyndall. 

I present the hand of my father, who is' a member of the 
Royal College of Surgeons, London, Eng., because it is a per- 
fect type of the characteristics essential in the practice of the 
science of surgery. 

The hand is philosophic and spatnlate. It is thoughtful, 
studious, careful and scientific. The line of mentality shows 
the power of concentration and analysis. The heart line and 
the wide mount of Venus are indicative of kindness of heart 
and deep sympathy. 

The successful surgeon, because scientific, is not necessarily 
cold blooded or unsympathetic. Surely in no profession is gen- 
tleness and compassion more needed than in the practice of 
surgery. 



x\^k 




Plate 33— Hand of Alexander Mclvor-Tyndall, M. D. t M. R. C. S. 



Dr. Hamilton Fish. 

Few members of the medical profession in this country are 
so eminently fitted by nature for their chosen profession as is 
this young physician, whose contributions to the principal med- 
ical journals of the country are attracting such wide attention 
for their originality and cleverness. The hand represents a 
combination of the spatulate and the philosophic types — show- 
ing love of science, independence of thought and inventive 
talent. The mentality is clear, cautious, analytical and deduc- 
tive, and the power of concentration strong. 




Plate 34 -Hand of Hamilto?i Fish, M. D. 



Dr. Wm. C. Riddell. 

This hand shows good health, strong vitality and magne- 
tism, combined with a sympathetic, cheerful temperament. 
Love ; of science, an excellent memory and a careful, cautious 
nature go to make up a personality which is eminently fitted 
for the practice of medicine. 




Plate 35— Hand of William C Riddell, M. D. 



Homer Davenport. 

Homer Davenport, the New York Journal cartoonist, has 
a distinctly spatulate type of palm, only slightly modified by 
the artistic type in some of the finger tips and by the philoso- 
phic joints. 

The characteristics of the spatulate type naturally predom- 
inate, as those who are familiar — and who is not? — with Dav- 
enport's cartoons might expect. Originality, independence, 
energy, strength, inventive ability and the philosopher's in- 
sight into human nature are prominent. In addition to these 
qualities the line of mentality is clear, deep and sloping, show- 
ing imagination, concentration, keenness of intellect and excel- 
lent judgment. 




Plate 36— Hand of Homer Davenport. 



A- W. Steele- 

The hand of Steele, the Denver Post cartoonist, is spatu- 
late in the palm with artistic fingers. 

Mere artistic talent is by no means the only requisite for 
the successful cartoonist. He expresses by means of pictures 
what the clever writer expresses in words. 

Originality, imagination, constructive and inventive abil- 
ity, independence of thought, observation and the power of 
concentration are some of the qualities absolutely necessary. 

As one might expect from men who are acknowledged the 
two greatest cartoonists in the world, the hands of Steele and 
Davenport are remarkably alike as regards the type and the 
mentality. 




Plate 37— Hand of A. W. Steele. 



Blanche Walsh. 

The palm of Blanche Walsh, "the American Bernhardt," 
shows every element necessary to the successful presentation of 
tragedy. The type is a combination of the psychic, the spatu- 
late and the artistic. It betrays a marvelous ability of perse- 
verance, inordinate ambition, keen judgment, an intuitive fac- 
ulty that might almost be called clairvoyance and a quickness 
of intellect that might well be envied by a statesman. 

Withal, it shows an intensely emotional, sympathetic tem- 
perament — -self-reliant and independent. It is a hand that 
promises almost everything desired, if the warning given by 
the somewhat frail line of life be heeded. 




Plate 38— Hand of Blanche Walsh. 



Aliss Burroughs. 

The hand of Marie Burroughs, the famous actress, repre- 
sents the artistic type of hand, somewhat modified by the char- 
acteristics shown in the philosophic joints of the fingers. It 
is. a hand in which the emotional, imaginative and impressiona- 
ble temperament is influenced by a strong will, a love of study 
and a profound reverence for the higher truths. 




Plate 39— Hand of Marie Burroughs. 



Sol Smith Russell. 

The hand of Sol Smith Russell, the eminent humorist, be- 
longs to the philosophic type, and marks the distinct difference 
between the wit and the humorist. Mr. Russell is a humorist 
because he is a philosopher. It is a humor that is very close 
to pathos. The ready sympathy, the keen insight into human 
nature and the sensitive, reflective mentality shown in this 
hand are essentials in Mr. Russell's peculiar style, pardoxical 
though it may seem. 




Plate 40— Hand of Sol Smith Russell. 



dames Barton Adams. 

Mr. Adams enjoys the distinction of being the most ex- 
tensively quoted newspaper verse writer in the world. His 
work is noted for its individuality and originality of theme. 

The hand is a combination of the spatnlate and the conic 
types, the palm being spatnlate and the fingers conic, giving 
inspiration, artistic sense and quickness of intellect, with origi- 
nality and inventive talent. The forked and sloping head line 
and the full mount of Luna indicate the order of the inventive 
talent — poetry and imagination. 




Plate 41— Hand of James Barton Adams 



U- S. Senator Carter- 

The hand of Senator Carter of Montana belongs to the 
mixed type. It is remarkable chiefly for the fine line of men- 
tality and the shrewdness and versatility it displays. The men- 
tal line rises close to the mount of Jupiter and extends in a 
deep, clear line almost straight across the palm without touch- 
ing the line of life. Such a mentality will win through sheer 
"long-headedness," judgment and brain power, while the adapta- 
bility shown by the type of hand makes such a man's compan- 
ionship pleasant even to his opponents. 




Plate 42— Hand of U. S. Senator 7 horn as H. Carter. 



Ysaye- 

The hand of Ysaye, the famous violinist, belongs to the 
distinctly conic type. It is an excellent example of the inspira- 
tional musician. The fingers are full at the base, the mounts 
of Luna and Venus are much developed and the line of men- 
tality sensitive and impressionable. I have often observed that 
artists, musicians and poets with this type of hand depend en- 
tirely upon inspiration, and indeed have no intellectual concep- 
tion of their own genius. Such persons are emotional, and, 
logically, swayed by feeling. 




Plate 43— Hand oj Ysaye. 



Edwin P- Mayo- 

The hand of Edwin F. Mayo ("Pudd'nhead Wilson") is a 
type of the mixed hand, in which the characteristics of the 
conic are the most prominent. 

Magnetism and generosity are noticeable as shown in the 
wide mounts of Yenus and the Moon, and in the heart line, 
which lies straight across the palm, and the turned back thumb. 
The line of mentality is joined to the life line and slopes to the 
mount of imagination, betraying a sensitive, imaginative and 
romantic temperament. 




Plate 44— Hand of Edwin F. Mayo. 



Roland Reed. 

The hand of Roland Reed is spatulate in formation, with 
the joints of the fingers slightly developed, and a touch of 
squareness about the palm. This combination of character- 
istics naturally gives a marked individuality, while the straight 
head line shows business ability and practical judgment. The 
full mount of Mars, under Jupiter, and the shape and position 
of the finger of Mercury tell of an aggressive independence 
and a ready wit. Reed would have been equally successful as 
a lawyer. 




Plate 45— Hand of Roland Reed. 




Plate 46 —Hand of Judge C. C. Goodwin. 

The hand of Judge C. C. Goodwin, the pioneer journalist 
of the West, forms an interesting study. 

Author, editor, statesman and miner, it is not strange that 
the hand shows versatility of ideas, generosity, individuality 
and an adventurous spirit. 

The supple, independent thumb, although somewhat exag- 
gerated in the impression, is yet flexible in the extreme, telling 
of a nature charming in company, witty, adaptable and prodi- 
gal. The long and forked line of mentality and the full mount 
of Luna show literary talent of a high order. 



